It was in 1989 that Steve attained his licence and his grounding was solid.

As a young boy Steve busied himself around his father’s stables, developing into a handy track rider for his father.

With aspirations of becoming a leading jockey, Steve was indentured to Dennis Gray. However, the tall, lanky frame coupled with a serious fall swiftly ended his dreams of a career in the saddle.

With horse racing in the blood, Steve went to work with one of the legends of Australian horse racing, Colin Hayes. It was under the tutelage of the multiple premiership winning Hayes that Steve honed his craft.

Today Steve and Ann work in partnership at their property in Kiewa, about 20 minutes outside Wodonga.

Anne completes the pre-training and manages the agistment and Steve breaks in the young horses. While time consuming, Steve said this process enabled him to gain a more intimate knowledge of the horse’s nature.

As with many trainers, Steve possesses a particular affection and bond with one of his most successful horses, Monahan Tweed.

A competitive and determined gelding, Monahan Tweed won five metropolitan races including wins at Caulfield and Flemington as well as several placings at blacktype level.

Unfortunately the horse later developed foot problems that ended his racing career, but he remains an integral member of the Aldridge stable.

With his good nature, Monahan Tweed partners Steve in leading and educating the younger horses.

Another of Steve’s successful horses was gelding State Ben, who Ann rode to victory at Albury and Wodonga among his eight career wins.

State Ben also had successes in Melbourne including victory at Flemington in 1994, however, his career was limited to just 21 starts after the horse developed laminitis. With seven young horses in his stables at present, Steve hopes that the next good horse is among them.