Scooby Doo, Superwoman and the schoolboy

As John has outlined in his diary, we've had a hectic week at the sales, races and Darley stallion parade. The Darley do is always a superb day but party of the week must go to Susan Renouf's summer soirée last night. It was like walking onto a film set such was the attention to detail and setting. Pink everywhere, including the champagne.

John and I were pretty pathetic on the fancy dress front. The theme was 'Dress S' so he wore shorts (go figure) and I settled for a summer dress and sparkly shoes. A poor effort when up against Scooby Doo, Abi Harrison as Superwoman, Hugo Morriss as a sheikh and Susan's daughter Jane Chapple-Hyam as the ghoul from Scream. Pictures and gossip from the night shall be forthcoming at some stage but I'm keeping the best bits for my H&H column. Let's just say it involved Jimmy Quinn (dressed as a schoolboy), Maya Morriss (dressed as a slut) and Riverdance.

Away from all the partying, drinking and partying, it was a great week at the yard, too. Annie Mann joined us on work experience and was a huge asset. If the racing industry can attract staff of the quality of Annie, then it will be in great shape indeed. She particularly helped me out in a busy week by riding and looking after Panto. She's a good, confident rider who had spent the previous week at Mark Johnston's stable in Middleham. The difference between our yard and his must have been rather strange for Annie but she got on brilliantly with everyone and hopefully she enjoyed sampling life in all stables great and small and has not been put off a career in the industry when she leaves school.

It was sad to say goodbye to By Storm. We've waved farewell to too many of our equine friends in recent weeks, with Bilkie and La Gessa retiring and Milton being claimed. I never find it easy, even though I always try to tell myself it's part of the job. Pretty hard to see Milton's Keen entered up this week for another stable. He ran a good race in second, improving just as we knew he would. I just wish he was still running for this stable.

Ex-Con should be a nice addition to the yard though. He's a big, strong colt (but not for long as Mr Dugdale and his gelding equipment will be paying a visit in the next few days) and it will be fun finding out what he can do.

And now, apart from Jack's run on Wednesday, we have the debut of Imperial Decree to look forward to on Saturday. Having watched Aisling gallop her yesterday morning, it's hard not to feel excited about her first run, even though the 2yo races at Newmarket can be pretty competitive. Diktat had a good juvenile winner yesterday in Dark Tara, so let's hope our little filly can add her name to his list of winners at some stage.