In Pakistan horses are used to carry huge loads of bricks

The Guys and Dolls event on Thursday night hopes to generate at least �1,000 for the Brooke charity.

The fundraising begins at 1900 BST, with a number of races being held featuring top riders.

Alastair Warwick, Hamilton Park's chief executive, said every pound raised would be matched by a betting exchange.

The event is being held as one of Brooke's Courses for Horses campaign.

Brick kilns

The charity raises money to provide veterinary and welfare services for horses and donkeys in the developing world.

It operates in Egypt, India, Jordan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kenya and Guatemala - where between six and 20 people depend upon a working horse, donkey or mule to make a living.

In Pakistan, the charity helps horses which are used to work in brick kilns where they can often carry up to half their body weight in bricks.

The animals can work for up to 12 hours a day in temperatures as high as 50C with their owners earning as little as 70p a day.

Mr Warwick said: "We are delighted to support the Brooke charity in their bid to raise money for such a worthwhile cause."