Sha Tin: Xtension rallies to win Champions Mile

Four-year-old Xtension won for just the second time in his career when he rallied from mid-pack behind a slow pace to capture the Group 1, $1.54 million Champions Mile on Monday at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong.

Sixth on the rail a half-mile into the race, Xtension was angled out for running room by jockey Darren Beadman with a little more than a quarter-mile left to run. Rallying farthest out in the course, Xtension was up late to beat Lucky Nine, who was a nose better than Musir. Pacesetting Beauty Flash finished fourth, and Sparkling Power was fifth. Presvis, the most accomplished horse in the race, rallied late for sixth, beaten only 1 1/2 lengths while turning back to a distance shorter than his best. Musir’s jockey, Christophe Soumillon, lost his whip during the stretch run.

Xtension, a son of Xaar trained by John Moore, raced in Europe during 2009 and 2010, winning a Group 2 in France as a 2-year-old, his only victory before Monday. Moved to the Far East last winter, Xtension twice was fourth in Hong Kong before a runner-up finish March 20 in the Hong Kong Derby. Xtension could return to England, perhaps for the Queen Anne Stakes, Moore said after the race.