FORMER top jockey Marcus Foley is set to saddle his first runner as a point-to-point trainer at the Old Berks Hunt meeting at Lockinge, near Wantage, on Monday.

Foley, who hails from Lew, near Witney, quit the saddle last summer to run a pre-training and schooling yard at Rockley, near Marlborough, in Wiltshire.

And now Terramarique – the old favourite who he won eight races on and was given as a gift to him by owner Sandy Orr following his retirement – is set to represent him in the members’ race at the Bank Holiday fixture.

“He retired the same day as I did,” said Foley. “He was my last ride and the owners kindly gave him to me.”

Now a 12-year-old, Terramarique is to be ridden by Bristol University student Camilla Henderson, daughter of Foley’s former boss, Lambourn trainer Nicky Henderson.

“He is fit and well and loving life,” added Foley. “I think there are eight entries and it should be an easy enough task for him on his old form, but he is getting on and it is a day out for Camilla more than him going out to win.”

The Old Berks, who are celebrating their 250th anniversary, will honour one of their most colourful and eccentric characters with the confined race run in memory of Highworth owner-trainer John Manners.

‘Mad’ Manners, as he was known in point-to-point circles, died last September aged 83.

His wife, Audrey, who has taken over her husband’s licence, will present the prize along with Nick Arkell, of race sponsor Arkell’s Brewery.

Alroyal heads a 14-strong entry for the featured Motorlux Mixed Open.

First race is 1.30pm and another huge crowd is expected.

l CHILLING Place could bid to complete a hat-trick for the father-and-son team of Mike and Ben Tuckey at the Vale of Aylesbury with Garth & South Berks Hunt meeting at Kimble, near Aylesbury, tomorrow (1pm).

Formerly a smart performer under National Hunt Rules when trained by Philip Hobbs, the 11-year-old has won both of his starts between the flags this season.

Owner-trainer Mike Tuckey, who farms between Piddington and Brill, prepared Chilling Place to score at Barbury and Whitfield this term in the hands of jockey Ben.

He goes for the men’s open where Aston Rowant trainer Alan Hill has the choice of Bon Accord and More Trouble.

The ladies’ open could see a rematch between Balladeer and Home By Midnight, first and second at Kingston Blount.