RACING fans are in for a real treat at Thirsk this weekend when the course stages it’s mid-season highlight – the Totepool Summer Cup.

Carrying a first prize of £20,000, the one-mile contest is the centrepiece of the second stage of this weekend’s meeting on Saturday and always attracts a competitive field and looks set to do so again.

In the five years since it was introduced into the Thirsk calendar, the Summer Cup has been won exclusively by Northern trainers, with two victories going to local handler David Barron while last year’s winner was Altharoos for Middleham trainer Sally Hall.

Having finished well down the field in 2014, Altharoos really stepped up to the plate in the hands of recent Royal Ascot-winning jockey Dougie Costello, as the six-year-old gelding defied odds of 25-1 to win by a length and a neck from fellow outsiders Amood (33-1) and Lawyer (28-1).

Altharoos could well be back for a third successive appearance in the race. He went up in the weights for last year’s win and struggled in subsequent races, but the handicapper has relented recently and his run behind Gurkha Friend at Pontefract 10 days ago suggests better times ahead.

With music from Ezee Going and plenty of entertainment for the children in the Family Enclosure, it promises to be a great day for all the family.

Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs£27, but can be secured for £25 if pre-booked online at www.thirskracecourse.net. Paddock admission costs £16 (£15); while under-18s enter free if accompanied by a paying adult.

Gates open at 11am, and the first race is scheduled for 1.50pm.