Taylors go to town with Universal Ruler

The Taylor family have been counting their blessings with Universal Ruler in the foaling barn and at Belmont Park.

They welcomed a filly foal by the Scenic Lodge sire from Lucky Roar (So Secret) last Friday and then cheered home Universal Ruler mare Zephyr Queen in town on Saturday.

“It’s Lucky Roar’s first foal and she’s a beautiful filly!” trainer Jimmy Taylor said.  Her dam retired to stud last year following a career that generated $225,000 in prizemoney from two wins at Ascot and a black-type placing in the LR Starstruck Classic.  She was raced by Jimmy’s wife Tina, his mum Lois, Paul Quartermaine, John & Jenny Maas, Ian Russell and Jason Norrish.

The Taylors also race Zephyr Queen and stable client Ian Russell is in both mares, too.

“Zephyr Queen is tough and softened up the leader before fighting them off in the straight,” Taylor added after her latest victory in the Cool Ridge Hcp (1200m).  “She was drawing away again on the line and it was a brilliant ride by Keshaw (Dhurun).”

Zephyr Queen has banked prizemoney of $222,250 and earned another $2,900 in EPONA credits on Saturday.  “We can afford to send her to a good stallion,” Taylor continued.  “EPONA is a great initiative by RWWA.”

Zephyr Queen was bred and sold by Scenic Lodge for $9,000 at the 2017 Perth Magic Millions.  Her dam Deboshnokov (Stravinsky) is a half-sister to G1 Thousand Guineas winner Inaflury (Zabeel).

Universal Ruler has established an early lead on the WA winners’ table with 8 individual winners this season.  The son of Scenic (Sadler’s Wells) holds sway from All American (7), Blackfriars (6) and War Chant (6).

Scenic Lodge stands Universal Ruler and Snippetson for $8,250 service fees alongside Dash For Cash at $2,200.  All fees (inc GST).

Lucky Roar and her filly by Universal Ruler