A dramatic last-minute jockey change has shaken up the field for the $1 million Perth Cup (2400m) on New Year's Day, with a suspension forcing one rider out and creating a golden opportunity for a legend of the Australian turf.
Egan's Suspension Opens the Door for Nolen
Billy Egan has been forced to forfeit his ride on leading contender Buckets Ridge after pleading guilty to a charge of careless riding at Wangaratta on Monday. The Victorian jockey received a 14-meeting suspension, which rules him out of the Perth Cup on January 1 and sidelines him until January 14.
Stepping into the breach is fellow Victorian hoop Luke Nolen, a name synonymous with racing greatness. Nolen is best known for his unparalleled partnership with the undefeated champion Black Caviar, whom he guided to 22 of her 25 historic victories.
This will be a rare Western Australian appearance for Nolen, who has had just 20 rides in the state across his near-30-year career, resulting in two wins. One of those victories was a significant one, however: the 2009 WATC Derby aboard Markus Maximus when the race held Group 1 status.
Buckets Ridge Primed for Cup Assault
The Grant and Alana Williams-trained Buckets Ridge is in superb form heading into the summer feature. The gelding scored an impressive win in the G A Towton Cup (2200m) on December 6 and has been expertly prepared by Egan at his two most recent starts.
Despite the late rider change, the market respects his chances. Buckets Ridge is currently the $6 second favourite for the Perth Cup. The top spot in betting is held by Apulia, who firmed into $2.40 following the confirmed booking of champion West Australian jockey William Pike.
In further news for the Williams stable, their 2025 cup winner Hemlock Stone has been ruled out of defending his crown. The horse pulled up sore after finishing a distant ninth in Saturday's Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m).
Field Finalises as Nominations Close
The Perth Cup field continued to take shape on Tuesday with the withdrawal of mare Admiration Express. This leaves 23 remaining hopefuls in the nominations for the iconic race.
Trainer Jason Miller, who scratched Admiration Express, still has Rocking Society in the mix. That gelding will have a rider change of his own, with Brayden Gaerth taking over from Brad Rawiller. Gaerth has a proven record on the five-year-old, having steered him to a placing on all three previous occasions he has been aboard.
The stage is now set for a thrilling New Year's Day showdown at Ascot, where the experience of Luke Nolen will be pitted against the local knowledge of William Pike in a battle for one of WA's most coveted racing prizes.
