RACING returns to Ascot tomorrow (Friday) for the start of the two-day Summer Mile Weekend.

The festival forms a link between two of Ascot’s premier race meetings, falling between Royal Ascot and the King George VI weekend at the end of July.

Saturday’s seven-race card features the £110,000 Group 2 Fred Cowley MBE Memorial Summer Mile which last year saw Dane O’Neill return from injury with victory on Mutakayyef.

There were plenty in with a chance, but it was O’Neill on the William Haggas-trained Mutakayyef who got a great split and powered away to score by two and a quarter lengths from Dutch Connection and Gabrial.

Saturday also includes the £100,000 Totepool Heritage Handicap to cap an excellent day’s racing.

A new Great British Racing initiative means Under 18s gain free entry on Saturday if accompanied by an adult, with tickets starting at £24.

The aim is to boost attendances across the country by encouraging more families to visit their local track.

Along with top-level racing, there will be free fairground rides and a host of other entertainments to occupy children of all ages.

Meanwhile, Friday’s annual Property Raceday is a well-established fundraiser for the property industry in aid of children’s charities.

It’s a relaxed and stylish day of flat racing and has raised more than £1m for charities including LandAid, WellChild and Wherever the Need.

Gates open at 11am on Friday and Saturday, with the first races at 1.40pm.