Promising first starter Hvala (Sakhee’s Secret x Huluava) headed straight to the winner’s circle in her debut run in the $7,000 Croft Poles 1400 at her home track at Ruakaka yesterday.

The three-year-old filly had three trials before her first race day appearance, one trial as a two-year-old where she finished fourth and placed in her other two trials over 1200m. She is trained by Ruakaka-based trainers Donna and Dean Logan.

“It was a very good effort on her behalf,” commented co-trainer Donna Logan. “She dug deep and let down really well in the straight and she was just too powerful for the rest of the field. I was quite taken with her.”

Matthew Cameron rode Hvala after riding her in her last trial a few weeks ago at Te Aroha. It was a straight forward run as the pair jumped from barrier 7 and accelerated to the lead. Hvala led all the way in the 1400m race, kicking on from the corner as she lengthened down the home straight for a three-length victory.

Joy Of Life (NZ) (Zabeel) showed a good turn of foot in attempt to catch front running Hvala but was unable to challenge her and settled for second place and five-lengths behind Joy of Life in third place was Very Astute (NZ) (Bachelor Duke).

“She is a horse with ability and her work leading up to the race showed she was ready to put in a really good performance,” commented Logan.

“As she strengthens and matures further there will be more wins in her but she has been a slow maturing filly,” says Logan.

Yesterday’s win earned Hvala $4,375 for her owner Sir Peter Vela.

Bred by Sir Peter Vela and Philip Vela, the daughter of Sahkee’s Secret is out of winning mare Huluava (Pins) who is a half-sister to stakes winner Vercors (Catbird), winner of the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes. Hvala’s dam has two other named foals, both winners.