Charlotte Burke celebrates 25 years as Alan’s priceless Personal Assistant

February 17

Loyalty is rare – if you find it, keep it, and Alan is adamant that he unveiled a real winner when he snapped up Charlotte Burke as his Racing Secretary and PA back in 2001.

Charlotte, who had a good grounding in the racing industry, having been previously employed by Charles Egerton and Bryan Smart, celebrated 25 years at Barbury Castle on February 5.

We all need  a “wingman” in life – Tom Cruise would be the first to admit that Maverick would not have achieved what he did without Iceman in the 2022 film Top Gun, and Charlotte, who always handles the calls from owners with aplomb, is very much Alan’s ‘Icewoman’.

“Alan had been here six months when I arrived, and I realise that I am very lucky in that I have always got on great with both him and his wife Rachel,” said Charlotte.

Then, showing off a glittering silver bracelet around her neck, she added with a beaming smile “As a reward for reaching the landmark,  Alan and Rachel bought me this from Tiffany’s when Rachel took me to London for a ‘girls day out’ last week, where we also enjoyed a fabulous champagne lunch.”

Reflecting on some of the four-legged superstars that have graced the Barbury downs, Charlotte added:”There have been so many, Katchit, My Way de Solzen, Sceau Royal, Voy Por Ustedes, Uxizandre, Smad Place, Edwardstone, Trueshan – the list just goes on and on. But from a personal point of view I’ll always have a soft spot for Crystal d’Ainay”

Form students might raise eyebrows to Charlotte’s choice of number one, but Crystal d’Ainay did beat two of the best staying hurdlers around in Monet’s Garden and Royal Rosa when winning the Rendlesham Hurdle at Kempton in 2005, and, perhaps more relevant, Charlotte was lucky enough to have him home with her for seven years after he retired.

She added: “Not all horses settle to a new life when their racing days are over, but he was a real dude. You could do anything with him – take him hunting, team-chase, you name it he loved it.”