BEN Cook is the new marketing assistant at Taunton Racecourse, where his specific remit is to maximise the use of the centre of the course throughout the year.

Cook said: "We only race here 16 days a year so I am looking to get a range of activities off the ground to utilize the facilities that we have available for the other 340 odd."

"I will be looking at a hosting a number of events such as country fairs and maybe some festivals as well. It is such a massive space that we have got here so I will be looking to get is used as much as possible."

"Taunton Racecourse is such a great venue. There is a huge amount of on-site parking and we are only just a few minutes from the M5 exit and also from the town centre so we are ideally placed to host events."

Taunton’s new man will be sharing his time between Taunton and Newton Abbot, which are both independent racecourses.

Cook explained: "Taunton race during the winter months so during their season I will be spending three days a week here, while Newton Abbot is summer racing so during their season I will be there three days a week and spend two at Taunton.

"I want to increase turn over and bring as much business as possible to the courses."

Cook attended Plymouth College after which he went to the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester where he followed a three year honour's degree course in international business management, graduating in 2011.

He said: "After that I applied for the British Horse Racing Association Graduate scheme, which involved an eight week placement at Newton Abbot, this was extended for a couple of weeks to work with the Clerk of the Course.

"When the joint post at Newton Abbot and Taunton was advertised I had an interview and was fortunate enough to get it."

"The BHA scheme is a 10 week course. I did two weeks at Newmarket where I attended lectures and spent time with each area of the sport and then got my placement."

"I'm doing something that I really love and to go to work each day and do something that I really enjoy makes it a pleasure to come here."

Reflecting on his first race meeting at the Orchard Portman course, Cook said: "It was great day with a fantastic turn out, the sun shining and there was some brilliant racing.

"The attendance was great with lots of children and there was a real buzz about the place so it was a brilliant first meeting for me and a great start to the season for Taunton."

Taunton Chief Executive Bob Young said: "We are delighted to welcome Ben on board and hope, with his drive and determination, to increase awareness of the racecourse both on racing and non racing days.”

Cook may be contacted on the usual racecourse telephone number - 01823-337172 - or email on info@tauntonracecourse.co.uk