AROUND 250 Royal Marines from Norton Manor Camp enjoyed a day at the races as guests of Taunton Racecourse.

All seven races on last Thursday’s card were dedicated to one of the 40 Commando companies, with the presentations for each race presented by the commanding officers.

40 Commando received tremendous local support during their recent tour of Afghanistan and after their homecoming, with the County Gazette running a Shoulder to Shoulder campaign.

Local trainer David Pipe handed over some hot tips and cut a cake to mark the occasion.

He said: “We owe everything to 40 Commando, who’ve been fighting for our country in Afghanistan and it’s fantastic that Taunton Racecourse have put on a special day to honour them.”

The troops met champion jockey A. P. McCoy, who said: “They are proper heroes and thoroughly deserve a day like this that has been put on in their honour.”

Major Mark Totten, Officer Commanding Bravo Company, 40 Commando, said: “It’s a great honour to be invited by Taunton Racecourse - it’s an extension of the huge support we’ve received from the Taunton community and throughout the South-West.”

Taunton Racecourse director Paul Barber said: “It means a lot to have the Royal Marines here, not just to the racecourse but to the people of this area and the whole of Somerset, who have shown them great support during their recent tour of duty to Afghanistan.” 40 Commando are due to return to Afghanistan next year.