HORSE-LOVERS from all over the British Isles are expected to gather at Hexham Racecourse to celebrate the life of one the racing world's best-loved figures.

Renowned trainer Alistair Charlton died at his home at Mickley Grange Farm on January 29 at the age of 89, and although he retired as a trainer back in 2007, he has left a remarkable legacy.

He gained his love of horses through working with the farm’s carthorses with his father, and while at college in Newcastle, he used to go to unregulated “flapping” races while other children were at school.

When he was later called up to do National Service in the Korean War, he used to tell of visiting a fortune teller in a break from patrols and she told not to worry about getting shot and that he'd train racehorses – a career he'd never thought of!

Before becoming a trainer, he rode as an amateur in point to points and hunter-chases for 30 years. He clocked up some 89 victories between the flags, and was four times Northern Area champion, as well as finishing third in the national championship.

He started his life as a trainer in 1979, and over the years he clocked up in the region of 300 winners claiming notable scalps at top meetings like Ascot and Sandown.

He always said the best horse he trained was Ida’s Delight who gave him his biggest win in the prestigious Castleford Chase at Wetherby. Ida’s Delight won 18 races all told, including two at Ascot, and was placed 46 times before ending his days in retirement on the farm at Mickley.

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Another big success was Lord Dorcet who finished third behind One Man in the 1998 Champion Chase at Cheltenham. Alistair also gave future many-times champion jockey Tony McCoy the winning ride on Lord Dorcet at Sandown, when the Queen Mother presented the awards.

Alistair’s prowess on the track was matched by his eye for promising young horses. He was a frequent visitor to horse sales in  Ireland, from where he would often return with a couple of foals or store horses to bring on.

His most successful foray across the Irish Sea came with the purchase of a young horse named Tidal Bay for just over £5,000. A year or so later, he sold it to another of Tynedale’s racing connoisseurs Graham Wylie for a staggering £300,000.

Alistair and his late wife Margaret were married for over 60 years and he also leaves son George and daughter Jane and three grandchildren.

His private funeral service and burial took place at St Edmund’s Church Edmundbyers and will be followed by the celebration of his life at Hexham Racecourse on Thursday, February 23 at 2pm.