Doors to manual

I've been spending so much time on Ryanair lately that I really ought to buy shares. Aisling told me a rather scary story about her former days as an Aer Lingus stewardess (sorry, member of the cabin crew) when she forgot to close the cabin door properly while engaged in eating a muffin and didn't realise until the Captain rang through to her as they were already taxiing towards the runway. I've never much enjoyed Ryanair, especially the terrifying landings, but I shall certainly not be booking any flights on Aer Lingus in future.

This conversation with Ais (pictured here being annoyed by Jim at Huntingdon) came about as we departed for her native country for the second time in less than a week. For the first trip, she had accompanied us to the Curragh to watch Imperial Decree run and, last Friday, we found ourselves in at the champagne bar in the departure lounge with Gemma Dawson and Dizzy, Aisling's soon-to-be sister-in-law and former apprentice to the Piggotts, when she rode under her real name of Victoria Appleby.

The reason for our return to the Emerald Isle was for Aisling's non-hen do but her best friends Orlaith McMahon and Aisling Connolly made sure there was plenty of hen paraphernalia when we arrived in Killarney, with the house decked out in L-plates, ballooons, "Don't do it" banners (sorry, Charlie) and all sorts of other unmentionables.

I'm pleased to report that the Beverley House Stables team of Ais, Gemma and myself beat the others in a head-to-head on Singstar (think Karaoke meets Pop Idol - the computer actually judges your singing. Just don't say the words '22 seconds' anywhere near Gemma). Tour rules prevent me from mentioning any other behaviour/activities from the weekend but I'm hoping Charlie might download some pictures from Aisling's camera and send them on to me. I'm sure Jim and Gerry will be dying to take a peek.

Having spent the weekend as room-mate to one Dawson, we're heading back to Ireland for the sale at Fairyhouse to look at another potential Dawson. So, it's back on Ryanair at some ungodly hour tomorrow morning. We're making a detour past Marco Botti's stable at 4.15am to pick up Lucie, his partner and assistant trainer, who will hopefully prevent John and I squabbling all the way to Dublin. We'll be staying with John Burke, breeder of Jill Dawson (and thus owner of her and Jack's mum Dream Of Jenny). John has a Catcher In The Rye half-sister to them in the sale, whom we are eager to have a look at. We did actually see her last year - a cracking foal (pictured) and it will be great to see how she's grown. This filly goes through the ring at around the same time as a member of Desiree's family by Generous. I'll have to make sure I'm sitting on both of my hands to stop myself bidding on that colt.

After that, we'll not be back in Ireland until the middle of October for Aisling and Charlie's big day - a wedding we are hugely looking forward to. It will also be nice to be reunited with all the wonderful hens from this weekend in Killarney.

In other news, Panto's back in gentle action after two weeks' lameness with a foot abscess. He's finally putting on some weight and is looking as well as I've ever seen him. I think Equine Gold and Gastro Gold, two completely natural supplements I've had him on, have played a part but I also hope he's just generally feeling much better having had some time off. He is adorable and I really hope we can see him racing next year.