RACING returns to Ascot with a two-day Italian Tourist Board Festival of Food and Wine on Friday and Saturday.

Saturday’s race card is headlined by The Lavazza Handicap Stakes, the UK’s most valuable mile-and-a-half handicap, with six more ultra-competitive flat races taking place.

Friday’s race card includes seven races with the Weatherby’s Handicap Stakes among the highlights.

All racing takes place amid a host of culinary attractions with more than 40 food stalls on offer and includes demonstrations from the likes of Raymond Blanc.

Gates open at 11am both days.