VisitSuffolk and Suffolk County Council today hosted a trip by a party of 10 leading tour operators from China to Newmarket.

The day-long tour of the home of racing ? part of a three-day visit by the Chinese delegation which also includes Essex and Norfolk ? was designed to encourage the operators to include Suffolk in future itineraries.

Their tour yesterday, put together by Newmarket Experience, included visits to The Gallops, the Kremlin House and Shalfleet training yards, the Rowley Mile racecouse, the National Stud and the Animal Health Trust plus hospitality at Bedford Lodge, the Jockey Club Rooms and Paddocks House at nearby Six Mile Bottom.

Amanda Bond, brand manager at Visit Suffolk, said: “They have really enjoyed the visit. They are looking for new destinations, besides places such as London and Oxford, and the Newmarket package could be a good fit.”