Top trainer Peter Bowen will open his Little Newcastle stables to the public for charity this weekend.

The third annual charity open day, on Sunday from noon, will offer visitors the chance to see the string of more than 50 horses close-up in their boxes, and watch them work at speed on the gallops.

The event has become a popular summer attraction, with more than 2,000 visitors in 2008, and around £30,000 has been raised for charity.

This year’s supported charities include the Trust for Sick Children in Wales, which provides accommodation for parents of seriously ill children.

Mr Bowen is one of the country’s leading trainers. His horses have won nearly 300 races and millions of pounds in prize money in the last five years.

Many locally owned multi-winners – including Take The Stand, Yes Sir and Mr Ed – will be on parade, as well as stable star Snoopy Loopy. Several leading jockeys will also attend.

Winners of a Name The Horse competition will be invited to go racing with the owners, with entry into the paddock and saddling area.

Local group Bois-y-Wlad and Fishguard Junior Brass Band will perform, and Anthony Morgan will sing the Welsh national anthem before the parade of horses.

Karen Bowen said: “Everybody seems to enjoy the day, including the horses, who’ve won races the next day for the last two years.” TV personalities, former jockey Luke Harvey and Emily Jones, will host proceedings, which will also feature a charity auction and a raffle with a week’s use of a Spanish villa as top prize. There will also be a chance for children to get in the saddle with pony rides.

Entry is £5 for adults and free for children. Visitors are advised to arrive early. There will be free parking.