THE FASCINATING STORY OF ALTOBELLI’S OWNER, CHARLIE WALKER
This month, we caught up with Altobelli’s fascinating owner, Charlie Walker, who explains how a chance phone call, the power of fate, and £5,000 took him on an amazing journey in racehorse ownership, which currently extends to 278 winners in the sport.
It all started with a bet in the 1974 Grand National: £3 each way bet on Red Rum at odds of 11/1, nothing untoward; after all, it’s a pastime for so many, whether you follow the game avidly or not. But, shortly after establishing his own finance company, Charlie received an unexpected phone call from former jockey turned bloodstock agent Tony Esler.
The proposal? A trip to Richard Hannon’s yard for a morning out of London. They arranged to meet at 6 am on the B3071—a chance meeting that few would take up with a stranger over the phone today. That morning was followed by an impromptu visit to Manton where Peter Chapple-Hyam, then resident trainer at the sprawling estate—patting the then 2000 Guineas winner Rodrigo de Triano and standing alongside the Derby winner of that year, Dr Devious. It ignited something, and his first foray into ownership began with £5,000 and a 21% share in a filly.
That filly was a horse called Red Dancer who gave Charlie his first winner at Folkestone, an experience he recalls as feeling like he had ‘won the Derby.’ Further success followed swiftly, with Charlie’s colours becoming a familiar sight on both the Flat and National Hunt circuits. Among his standout achievements was Time Warp’s dual Queen Elizabeth Cup triumph before being sold to Japan.
Despite his achievements, Charlie insists he has no special eye for a horse. Instead, he attributes his success to the people he has surrounded himself with—trainers, bloodstock agents, and fellow owners who have not only guided him but also become lifelong friends. One such friendship is with Jonny Craib, co-owner of Altobelli, whom he met purely by chance at the races. A shared passion for the sport has since evolved into a close bond, exemplifying how racing has the unique ability to bring people together.
“There can be a lot of dishonest people in the world, but I have been lucky to find the most wonderful team of trainers over the years, for which I am truly grateful.” Among them is Sir Mark Prescott, a great friend whom Charlie visits as often as possible in Newmarket. In an amusing twist of fate, Harry Fry’s first job application in racing was for a pupil assistant role with Sir Mark. While he didn’t secure the role at the time, Sir Mark has never missed the opportunity to joke about it. By the time Charlie became an owner with Harry, he enjoyed such a run of success training for Charlie that he earned the nickname from Sir Mark as “Harry Flipping Fry!”
That winning sequence was when the team sent out seven winners from Charlie’s first eight runners at the yard; they included Bullionaire and Caribert. This week, his familiar cream and black colours, topped with the crimson red hat, will be carried in either the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle or the Liverpool Hurdle when the improving Altobelli lines up at Aintree. A spot much deserved after two comprehensive handicap successes at Ascot this season.
“I have complete faith in the amazing work Harry and Ciara do. Last season hadn’t gone to plan but they have given the horse time to mature. The horse comes first, and there is no pressure from me. We are reaping the rewards this season for the patience and undivided attention from everyone at Higher Crockermoor.”
To date, Charlie has owned 135 horses and remarkably boasts 278 winners. In a sport where uncertainty reigns, this is an incredible feat. Looking back, he is still staggered at how one phone call in 1992 led to a lifetime of joy.
