Xtension claimed his first Hong Kong win on Monday and did so by going straight to the very top with a G1 victory in the Champions Mile at Sha Tin.

Xtension (4g Xaar – Great Joy by Grand Lodge) was coming off a second to Ambitious Dragon in the G1 Hong Kong Derby and he sprinted off a sedate pace to score a half-length victory over a star-studded field at the end of 1600 metres.

The Irish bred gelding defeated Hong Kong Classic Mile winner Lucky Nine (Dubawi) by a half-length with UAE Derby winner Musir (Redoute’s Choice) a head away in third spot.

“Xtension acclimatized very well after coming here from England,” trainer John Moore said.  “But he’s always found one or two too good for him on the day until now.”

Moore and jockey Darren Beadman combined for the second year in succession for Champions Mile glory, having won the race in 2010 with NZ bred gelding Able One.

Moore feels a trip to Royal Ascot for a tilt at the G1 Queen Anne Stakes might be a possibility for Xtension.  He is also considering a visit to Australia for the Cox Plate.  “I’d like to have a go at the Ascot race,” said Moore.  “Maybe the likes of Canford Cliffs and Goldikova will stretch him, but it would be good to go for the atmosphere and the occasion.”

Xtension is by former Darley shuttler Xaar and his dam Great Joy was stakes placed in Germany.  He was a more than competent two and three year-old in Europe winning the G2 Vintage Stakes at Goodwood and being placed in the G1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket and G1 Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly.

Originally trained by Clive Cox, he had been a 15,000 euros buy for Brighthelm Racing at Tattersalls yearling sale in September 2008.  He was sold to Hong Kong based owner Steven Lo Kit Sing last year.