Gorella, a 2006 Eclipse Award finalist in the female turf division, has been retired from racing because of an ankle chip. Breeding plans are undecided.
Gorella became a bona fide champion contender after winning the Just a Game Handicap (gr. IIT), Beverly D. Stakes (gr. IT), and First Lady Stakes (gr. IIT) in the middle of last year. She also raced twice against males, and although she finished unplaced, she ran tough both times. She mixed it up with English Channel, Cacique, and Milk It Mick in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (gr. IT) and was beaten only 1 3/4 lengths while running fifth. She also ran in the NetJets Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT) and was the sole distaffer in the event.
For the year, Gorella, by Grape Tree Road, won four of six races and finished second in Eclipse Award balloting behind Ouija Board.
Bred by France by E.A.R.L. Elevage De La Source, Gorella was a French group II winner and four times group-placed. Her big effort came in a runner-up effort against males in the NetJets Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (Fr-I).
Gorella was bought by current owner Martin S. Schwartz partway through 2005 and imported that year. That fall, she finished third in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes (gr. IT) at Keeneland in her first start, then ran third behind Artie Schiller and subsequent turf champion Leroidesanimauxin the NetJets Breeders' Cup Mile.
Gorella, who was trained in the U.S. by Patrick Biancone, retired with seven wins from 17 races and earnings of $1,456,209. She is out of the Jeune Homme mare Exciting Times, and her 4x4 inbreeding to both Northern Dancer and Sir Gaylord figures to offer interesting mating possibilities. Gorella resides at Bluewater Farm and Sales near Lexington.
