Scenic stallion Universal Ruler was popular at the Perth Magic Millions Sale last week.  Two of his first crop foals finished in the Top 10 selling for a combined $64,000.

Durham Lodge targeted Universal Ruler as its heir-apparent to Scenic in Western Australia.  A top-class sprinter who retired with a 50% strike-rate after just 12 starts, he won to Group 3 level in the Belmont Sprint (1400m).

Grant Williams was among several trainers to stock up on Universal Ruler foals at the Magic Millions.  He paid $36,000 for the colt from Shock Pak who is from the same family as the Blackfriars feature winners Rohan, Darlington Abbey and All Friared Up.

Williams started out in harness racing and won Gloucester Park’s prestigious WA Pacing Cup in 2006 before switching to the gallops.  A meteoric rise up the ranks peaked when he prepared Western Jewel to victory in the G2 Perth Cup on New Year’s Day.

Western Jewel is among numerous winners Williams has trained for leading owner-breeder Bob Peters.  Another high-profile client Elio Galante will race the Universal Ruler – Shock Pak colt.

Williams and his wife Alana, former champion female jockey Alana Sansom, picked him out on pedigree before going to the sale.  “And we both thought he was a standout on type,” Williams explained.  “He will race for Elio and the same syndicate that are in True Gold.”

Galante’s signature galloper has been Scenic Blast.  The Australian Horse of the Year and Universal Ruler were both members Durham Lodge’s Scenic consignment at the 2006 Perth Magic Millions.

Williams will send the colt down to Graham Yuill’s property at Dardanup and the youngster will stay there for six months or so until it’s time to ramp up his education.

The foal returns are a positive pointer for Universal Ruler leading up to next year’s yearling sale.  And Durham Lodge has priced him at a bargain $5,500 (inc gst) service fee this year.

UNIVERSAL VALUE
Universal Ruler-Shock Value colt that made $36,000 at the Magic Millions