RACING AROUND THE WORLD
The Horse Racing Division of Venatour Sports Travel
Rishi Persad, Racing Around The World Ambassador
"Look forward to seeing you on a Racing Around The World tour soon!"
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LEADING HORSE RACING TRAVEL COMPANY
As part of the Venatour Sports Travel Group, Racing Around The World is the dedicated horse racing division, created to deliver premium travel experiences to the sport’s most iconic events across the globe.
With over 25 years of experience behind us, we go beyond simply getting you to the races. Our tours are designed to bring you closer to the sport, combining world class racing with behind the scenes access, expert insight and carefully selected destinations.
From the prestige of internationally renowned festivals to unique racecourses you may never have considered, each trip is thoughtfully put together to give you a seamless and memorable experience from start to finish.
Our team brings genuine industry experience, working closely with owners, trainers and racing professionals around the world. We pride ourselves on delivering a personal, high quality service that allows you to travel with complete confidence.
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Rishi Persad
Racing Around The World Ambassador
Listen to Rishi's thoughts on why he has joined the Racing Around The World team and why travelling with us makes your racing experience even more special. From world-famous events like the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe to more unique festivals such as St. Moritz White Turf and Cape Town, we offer it all. As Rishi says: "If you think about it, Racing Around The World can make it happen!"
WHY CHOOSE VENATOUR 'RACING AROUND THE WORLD'?
EXPERIENCE
With over 20 years of experience in both the horse racing and travel industries, and a passion for the sport, our team is uniquely qualified to provide you with 5 star service.
PERSONAL
We pride ourselves on offering a personal service tailored to your unique needs, ensuring every detail of your horse racing tour is meticulously planned for an unforgettable experience.
VALUE
Our high-quality tour packages and experiences are designed to provide exceptional value, allow you to experience the best of horse racing without breaking the bank.
SECURITY
Your tour is financially protected through the ATOL scheme, ensuring complete financial security. Travel knowing your investment is safeguarded from any unforeseen circumstances.
Meet The Core Racing Team
Marc Blackford
I head up the ‘Racing Around The World’ team and organised my first racing tour to Punchestown over 25 years ago. A wealth of experience and contacts in the worldwide racing industry, I have been an owner for many years, with highlights being Cheltenham and Lincolnshire National winners. I am also on the board at Market Rasen Racecourse and enjoys nothing more than a day at the small local racecourses.
Hazel Millikin
In my 13 years in the Operations Team at Venatour, I’ve worked on numerous events with many fantastic trips abroad. In the past few years, I have been working with Marc on the Horse Racing tours, which is fun to work with different destinations and racecourses. My favourite places to travel to include New Zealand and Japan. I have a young family which keeps me busy nowadays, but I was a keen rower, which I hope to get back into one day!
Dr Simon Gillson
Yorkshireman who emigrated to Cheltenham and possesses a long-term passion for both travel and horse racing. Qualified from Nottingham Medical school in 1995 which handily means we have a doctor on most of our trips.
Has also been responsible for the Fergal O'Brien Racing social media output for a decade (though don't hold that against us).
Harry Beard
After graduating from University in 2024, I began working for Venatour in my current role as a horse racing sales & marketing executive. I love travelling and meeting new people which is perfect for the job!
Outside of work, you will probably find me on a racecourse or failing that, watching Manchester United fail miserably!
Rishi Persad
We are delighted to have Rishi on the team, one of the most recognisable and popular presenters on the horse racing circuit.
Rishi has presented at many big race meetings around the world and always offers a fascinating insight when away on tour. Not just racing, Rishi has worked at some of the biggest sports events around the globe and has some great stories to tell!
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CURRENT TOURS
30,000+
HAPPY CUSTOMERS
38
COUNTRIES TRAVELLED
DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
HERE IS SOME FEEDBACK FROM PREVIOUS CLIENTS
Never previously a fan of group travel, but a friend persuaded me to give Venatour a go for their St Moritz trip and I’m delighted I did.
Marc and Simon were outstanding hosts. We had the freedom to do what we wanted, while also benefiting from their expert planning. They arranged all the best things to do in St Moritz, including experiences I would never have organised myself, such as a stable visit one morning complete with champagne and croissants.
I would highly recommend the trip. I can now see us choosing one of their tours every year. It was first class and excellent value, with plenty of added extras, and would have cost a similar amount had we organised everything independently.
They also attract a great group of people, and we made some lifelong friends along the way.
Ian C.
WOW! What a trip from start to finish.
The whole Venatour experience exceeded our expectations. Hazel in the office could not have been more helpful and was always quick to answer any questions we had.
Marc and Simon were a pleasure to deal with throughout the trip. No question went unanswered, and we were kept fully up to date with any changes to the schedule, particularly with Dubai racing adjusting timings due to the heat.
Everything surpassed what we had hoped for, and we would absolutely book with them again.
Louise J
April 2025A brilliant Breeders’ Cup trip to Del Mar, with every important aspect exceptionally well organised by Venatour. Simon Gillson is not only a highly competent host, but also great company throughout.
These trips can of course be organised independently, but there are two clear advantages to booking with Venatour. Firstly, it is completely hassle free and they truly excel at what they do. Secondly, you get to experience the event alongside fellow enthusiasts, which really adds to the overall atmosphere and occasion.
Peter H
Venatour’s trip to Argentina was the most fabulous way to experience the country for the very first time. It truly was a trip of a lifetime, and I don’t believe anyone could have delivered it better than Venatour.
Suzi P.
Marc and the Venatour team’s 2025 racing tour to Argentina was a fantastic trip, well organised and enhanced by excellent additions such as Iguazu Falls, a stud farm visit and some top class polo matches.
The planning throughout was superb, and having local guides on hand ensured everything ran smoothly.
Andy H
Our son Graham had a big birthday and we wanted to give him something special, so he chose a trip to Dublin, with the Punchestown Festival as the highlight.
From day one, the itinerary was action packed and full on, but Marc, Simon and the team organised everything perfectly throughout.
The visit to the National Stud was a particular highlight for me.
David
We have just returned from Cape Town and loved every part of this trip, from watching the horses ride out at Muizenberg Beach, to racing at Kenilworth and wine tasting in Constantia.
With the added benefit of stunning scenery, rich culture and the cosmopolitan V and A Waterfront, it is hard to pick a single highlight from what was a truly exceptional experience.
After reluctantly leaving Cape Town, we flew to Port Elizabeth and continued on to Pumba Game Reserve, which was well worth doing and a real treat.
Marc and his team were excellent throughout, both in communication and knowledge. Transfers were seamless and the hotels were superb.
An amazing trip that we would definitely do again.
Lisa H
Spectacular arrangements and a truly memorable time in Merano and Verona.
A huge thank you to Harry, Simon, Marc and Hazel for their exceptional organisation and attention to detail throughout.
This was our third Venatour trip and we are already looking forward to Vienna.
Carol S
I travelled to the Prix de l’Arc weekend with Venatour for three nights, staying in Chantilly, and had an amazing long weekend. I cannot recommend Venatour Racing highly enough.
The organisation was faultless from start to finish, from my initial enquiry through to the final airport transfer. Marc could not have been more helpful or engaging, going well above and beyond, even arranging for my forgotten hat to make its way from Dublin Airport with another guest.
He is also a hugely knowledgeable host and great company. A special mention as well for his assistant Harry, who had only started two weeks earlier and was excellent throughout, a really great young man with a bright future ahead of him.
The group itself was full of lovely people who I hope to see again at the races. I usually travel independently, but this trip has definitely made me think again. I am already looking forward to travelling with Venatour again, back to the Arc and hopefully much further afield.
Rebecca G
The Velka Pardubice tour was excellent. I normally travel independently, but chose Venatour for this trip and was not disappointed.
The organisation was excellent, personal and very good value. We also added the hospitality package, which provided a superb view, cover from the elements, food available throughout the day and the chance to chat with Luke Harvey and James Best.
This is a race that is true bucket list material for any jumping fan, and both the race itself and the tour more than lived up to expectations.
Richard N