Pencarrow Stud graduate Mahalo (Darci Brahma x Lucky Be Lucky) was an impressive winner on debut in the $7,000 AJC Life Members Maiden (1200m) at Avondale on Wednesday.

Trained by Matamata’s Graham Richardson, Mahalo has had two trials, winning her most recent trial last month.

Commencing the race from barrier 2 for jockey Craig Grylls, Mahalo raced keenly in the early stages, settling one off the fence behind the speed. She squeezed through a gap to race three-wide off the corner and glided home for a one-and-a-half-length win over Regina Giovanna (NZ) (Per Incanto) with Conjuring (NZ) (Per Incanto) in third.

Raced by Kevin Anderson and Graham & Rochelle Richardson, Mahalo was purchased by her trainer at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2014 Premier Sale for NZ$120,000 from Pencarrow Stud.

Bred by Sir Peter Vela and Philip Vela, the daughter of Darci Brahma is out of Lucky Be Lucky (Storm Cat), the dam of four winners including stakes placegetters Kolonel Kev (Darci Brahma) and Santangelo (Lonhro).

Mahalo’s dam is a half-sister to Group 1 American winner Love Lock (Silver Ghost), and Listed winner Miss Pleasant (Pleasantly Perfect).