Universal transfers from France to Groomsbridge Stud near Newmarket

Universal, who made a minor headline this week by being the sire of the top lot at the Ascot August Sale, is settling into new surroundings after a surprise transfer to Sally Forster’s Groomsbridge Stud near Newmarket.

Owned by Abdulla Al Mansoori, the son of Dubawi was a characteristically hard-wearing member of Mark Johnston’s stable who graduated from handicapping to impressive Group scores in both the Jockey Club and Princess of Wales’s Stakes in 2013.

Following a retirement from the track, Universal spent five seasons at Yorton Farm before covering for €2,000 at Haras de Corlay this year.

His first crops only numbered in the mid-30s and are certainly not expected to be precocious, but there have been four winners in Britain, of which £38,000 sales-topper Universal Effect was one.

"I’ve been looking for a thoroughbred stallion for a while, we haven’t had one for a few years and I was struggling to find one," Forster explained.

"I got a phone call saying he was available, and I thought we should go for it. It all fell into place very quickly. He’s still owned by the same owner, but I’ve got him on a deal where he’ll stay for the long-term, hopefully."

The stallion's daughter Universal Effect topped the bill at Ascot on TuesdayCredit: Debbie Burt

Forster anticipates that she will advertise Universal at £1,500 for thoroughbreds, but her new resident will also be receiving mares of a very different background, too.

"We work in the sport horse industry, we breed high-end event horses, so I wanted something that would cross over into that as well," she said. "He ticked a lot of boxes on pedigree and conformation, and they were looking for somewhere for him to go where he was near, and so the owner could still send mares to him.

"He’s only been here ten days and he's already covered a three-star event mare. He’ll be marketed as dual-purpose for the racing market. I think he’s got enough size and scope to cover jumping mares and he’s got a good pedigree, he won over a mile and two and is ideal for that market. It’s difficult to get the Flat mares to them anyway, as there are so many Group 1 horses who are accessible.

"I suppose it all seems a bit random but as long as they retain the rights for their mares to be covered, they’re quite happy for us to do what we want with him. A lot of people have contacted me since I’ve had him saying what nice horses he’s had."

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