ONE of the country's top horse racing centres will be throwing open its doors to the public to raise funds for Swindon's new hospital.

The last time Manton racing stables at Marlborough opened to the public was in 1989.

But the Sangster family, which owns the racing centre, is keen to help raise funds for the Evolution Appeal, which aims to raise at least £2.5m to buy new equipment for the Great Western Hospital at Common-head.

Robert Sangster is a key figure in horse racing and breeding in this country as well as in America, Australia and Ireland.

In total he owns about 500 horses, with the number currently rising during the breeding season.

Mr Sangster, who formerly owned Vernon's pools which was started by his late father, is now taking a back seat from his racing empire, leaving the overall control in the hands of his oldest son Guy.

Another son, Ben, runs the Manton operation and his third son, Adrian, breeds and trains in Australia.

Guy is one of the trustees of the Evolution Appeal and it was his suggestion to hold an open day.

Evolution Appeal organiser Iain McMullen said: "The Evolution Appeal is aiming to raise £2.5m for extra equipment. £1.3m has been raised to date.

"This will allow the hospital to be equipped with the latest and best, allow enough equipment to go around and make patients' progress through the hospital easier and speedier.

"Without this extra money we shall need to bring some of the older equipment with us from Princess Margaret Hospital, some of which is nearing the end of its serviceable life."

Current trainer at the stables, John Gosden, became the latest Master of Manton when he moved in ready for the 2000 season and in his first year produced the English 1,000 Guineas winner, Lahan.

This year another of his horses, Zenda, won the French 1,000 Guineas.

The open day on Sunday, August 11, will provide entertainment for all the family and not just for horse racing fans. There will be a variety of children's activities including face painting, pony rides and a balloon race.

There will also be falconry displays, helicopter rides, quad bikes and ferret racing among the attractions.

Weather permitting there will also be a display by a Spitfire aircraft.

The biggest single attraction will be a one-mile race featuring celebrity jockeys for the Manton Challenge Cup.

Admission to the open day costs £5.

Children under 12 are allowed free entrance.

The stables will be open from 9.30am to 4.30pm with the Manton Challenge Cup race taking place at 2.30pm.