Bowral's Inverness Stud has capped off a bittersweet week by securing the services of boom stallion Universal Prince- just a day after the stud's pin up girl Sunline made her emotion-charged swansong.

But while the queen of the turf may have abdicated her crown, the stud is banking on the precocious Prince to step up to the throne.

In a stunning coup for the local thoroughbred industry, the brilliant yet controversial galloper will serve a full book of mares at Inverness for the upcoming breeding season.

"To have a horse of this calibre standing in the Highlands is unbelievable," Inverness Stud manager Ross Bone said.

"Who knows, he might even throw another champion."

And while preparations are at full gallop for the six-year-old stallion's arrival this week, another special slice of equine history is about to take place at the picturesque stud.

Broodmare Songline is due to deliver the thoroughbred equivalent of a royal birth on Monday- a full brother or sister to champion mare Sunline.

"It's very exciting and we're hoping for a sister," Bone said.

"It was a sad day seeing Sunline run her last race and she was just an out and out champion.

"The best I've ever seen."

The plan to capture the much sought after Universal Prince was hatched half a decade ago at the Inglis sale yards in Sydney.

Inverness owner Jack Wooldridge tried to buy the horse at the sales but was outbid by a determined Terry Hogan.

"After missing out on owning him I guess Terry thought he owed Jack a favour," Bone said.

"It's a very exciting prospect and there were a lot of big name studs chasing him.

"It goes to prove that the stud is getting a name for breeding and raring good quality horses."

In a career dogged by controversy, Universal Prince claimed four group one races including his memorable Derby demolition in 2000.

In all, the Bede Murray trained galloper raced 37 times for seven wins, seven seconds and three thirds.