ABOUT US
UNLOCK THE WORLD OF HORSE RACING
With over 20 years of experience, Venatour Racing Social is dedicated to making the world of horse racing more accessible to everyone. We offer exclusive horse racing tours across the globe, from prestigious, world-renowned festivals to unique and exciting racecourses. Our goal is to provide unforgettable experiences with a personal touch, ensuring every racegoer enjoys the thrill of the sport in style.
Our team of dedicated racing and travel professionals brings unparalleled expertise, having attended race meetings and sporting events worldwide. This experience allows us to create bespoke packages that guarantee access to top-tier hospitality, the best restaurants, and exclusive insider knowledge. Whether you're a racegoer, syndicate member, or part of an owners' group, our tailored tours cater to all tastes and budgets—from 5-star luxury to more affordable options.
With a dedicated tour manager attending most of our packages, we take care of every detail, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Venatour Racing Social is here to ensure you experience the best racing events locally and worldwide, creating memories that last a lifetime.
MEET THE TEAM
Marc Blackford
Marc heads up the ‘Racing Around The World’ team and organised his first racing tour to Punchestown over 25 years ago. A wealth of experience and contacts in the worldwide racing industry, Marc has been an owner for many years, with highlights being Cheltenham and Lincolnshire National winners. Marc is 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!
OFFICIAL
PARTNERS:
OUR HORSE RACING AMBASSADOR
We are delighted to have Luke Harvey as a Racing Ambassador at Venatour Racing Social, Luke will join us on a variety of tours when his busy schedule allows and will also host our charity events throughout the season. Luke is one of horse racing’s top presenters and regularly features on the award winning ITV Racing coverage along with Sky Sports Racing’s daily coverage.
Luke won racing’s Broadcaster for the Year Award at the 51st annual Horserace Writers and Photographers Association Derby Awards. He joined BBC Radio 5 Live as their horseracing reporter alongside Nicky Campbell and Shelagh Fogarty on their flagship Breakfast programme.
Luke was a jockey for 16 years and his big race victories include the Welsh Grand National, at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals and Sandown’s prestigious Mildmay Memorial Chase. Exuberant and enthusiastic, Luke has fronted the Sky Sports Winning Post programme on numerous occasions and works regularly at Royal Ascot, the Epsom Derby, Grand National and the Cheltenham Festival as a host and MC.