Melbourne Cup-winning owner Lloyd Williams's portfolio of imported horses will be boosted by the addition of one of England's most promising young stayers.

Williams confirmed he had purchased Sea Moon, a winner at Royal Ascot, via a text message to racing media.

Sea Moon's best win was in the Group Two Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot last year where among those behind him were Dunaden, Red Cadeaux, My Quest For Peace, Jakkalberry and Fiorente - a group that includes a Melbourne Cup winner and two placegetters, a Hong Kong Vase winner and an American Group One winner.

Williams is yet to finalise a campaign for Sea Moon, but the Australian Cup is a likely immediate target.

As a three-year-old, Sea Moon took a world thoroughbred ranking of 121.

He contested the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe in October in which he finished eighth.

The sale to Williams comes after his race eve withdrawal from the Hong Kong Vase last month.