The name Buckets Ridge is starting to rise in notoriety in WA’s racing ranks, with the Listed-winning gelding primed for his assault in Sunday’s $150,000 XXXX Northam Cup (1600m) with William Pike booked to ride.
To brothers Craig and Brett Ridge – along with the rest of the large ownership group – it’s not just the name of their horse, but a living tribute to their late father and friend, Graeme.
Graeme, affectionally known as Buckets to family and friends, had a love for racing. A regular attendant of different courses in WA and a Perth Racing member, Graeme never owned a horse but lapped up the chance to enjoy a day with his friends and family on course.
After his passing in August 2020, his sons Craig and Brett saw it as a great opportunity to bring Buckets’ closest friends and family together and purchase a horse to honour his legacy.
“We named him Buckets Ridge after Dad, and we thought if it could get out there and get a run and have his name announced at Ascot or Belmont one day he’d be thrilled,” Craig Ridge said.
Fast forward to 2024 and the Grant and Alana Williams-trained gelding has exceeded all expectations, winning the Listed Melvista Stakes (2200m) and finishing a gallant second to A Lot Of Good Men in the Group 2 WATC Derby (2400m).
After finishing second last in his previous outing at Ascot, the Ridge brothers were optimistic, but not overly confident in their chances the day the $14 priced Buckets Ridge shocked everyone in the Melvista Stakes.
“It was just me and my brother on course that day and it was like we won the Melbourne Cup,” Craig said.
The day was an emotional one for the Ridge brothers, accepting the cup and realising a great moment to pay tribute to their dad.
“It’s progressed to something we never really expected, but it’s amazing for the entire family, it brings us all together and is a great way to honour Dad,” Craig
Bucket Ridge was bred by Amelia Park, with owner-breeder Peter Walsh – a long-time friend of the Ridges – within the ownership group.
After a successful three-year-old campaign, the large ownership group now have sights set on the Northam and Perth cups.
“Perth Cup Day would always be Dad’s day every year, he loved it, so if Buckets Ridge was able to get into the race and do alright that would be the absolute fairytale,” Craig said.
The brothers were ecstatic that Buckets Ridge had won a feature race, and are excited for the future, but also the momentum their story has received, hoping to add to the tale on Sunday.
Craig and his family have enjoyed the journey so far and have been riding the waves of ownership, saying they support from the racing community has been fantastic.
“It didn’t take long for everyone to jump on and embrace us and the story,” he said.
“It’s surreal knowing that every time we are looking at what Buckets is doing, it’s a great reminder of Dad.”