From growing up as a young lad in Andersons Bay with an interest in horses, Ayoub will find himself in the Forbury Park general manager's chair from July 3.
Ayoub's early involvement with the equine beast was as a youngster, trying to get a bit of spending money.
Ayoub (59) spent his formative years lending a hand in Highcliff.
''In those days, there were a lot of paddocks there and my pocket money was looking after people's horses when they were being spelled,'' he said.
Ayoub also came along during the club's old Festival Week with his father and recalls Lordship racing at the track in the early 1960s.
''I've always had an interest in harness racing specifically, but also horse racing and breeding in general from when I was a kid.
''I haven't owned them or anything like that but when I was living in Auckland, I used to go to the Karaka sales every year and get an understanding of what people look for in a horse.''
Ayoub and his wife, Cheryl, moved back to Dunedin last October after long stints in Wellington and Auckland.
His work history in the last decade has been in event management, taking up operational roles with organisations involved in the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand and the 2011 Rugby World Cup among other events.
''When we moved back to Dunedin, I was looking for a role that would allow me to use all the skills that I've gained over the years.''
Ayoub is excited to be able to blend his working background with an industry which interests him.
He is conscious of the club's position in the community, and the diversity of the buildings at the track.
''That's part of what's attracted me to the role - it's not just the race meetings, which is the core of it, but for a club, it's just as important to have other income to sustain it when it's not racing.
''It's an understanding of what this facility can provide and help promote it. It's competing with other event venues - not just in Dunedin but around the country.''
The track has been in the same place for 100 years, and Ayoub hopes to leverage off its status in the community.
''Anything that's got an established presence and such a big footprint in a city this size has to be seen by the community as being a good neighbour.
''But for the general public of Dunedin, people need to see it as something they can use for a wedding - or just a nice night out.''
Ayoub also compared the food on offer quite favourably with other dining experiences he had at venues such as Alexandra Park in Auckland.
''Since I came back, I've been coming to the race meetings with friends, but still a lot of friends don't realise what's here. I've been impressed with the food, having eaten here as well - the food's good value.''
