Ozzie Kheir: The art of finding a Lexus Melbourne Cup winner

One of the first big leaps came with Marmelo, a lightly raced European stayer purchased specifically for a Melbourne Cup tilt. “Back then, all I wanted was a runner,” he says. “Just being part of the day felt like the pinnacle.” Marmelo gave him that and nearly the ultimate prize – finishing a heartbreaking second to Cross Counter in 2018. “I thought we’d won. I was giving high fives with 200 to go. Then he got run down,” Kheir says.  

The disappointment didn’t derail him – if anything, it fuelled him. From 2018 to 2021, Kheir’s syndicate hit a golden streak. “That run we had – it was mind-blowing. Group 1 wins just kept coming. We were spoiled.” He knows it won’t happen again in quite the same way, but he’s still chasing that next big horse. 

Incentivise, Verry Elleegant, Hitotsu – they’re just some of the elite-level names that have worn Kheir’s now-familiar colours. Winning the 2021 Melbourne Cup with Verry Elleegant was the ultimate high – especially with Incentivise running second.

“It’s phenomenal to run one-two in the Melbourne Cup. It’s just something that dreams are made of. And to win it with a horse like Verry Elleegant ... I think it was very well deserved.” 

In the years since, Kheir has become one of the most prolific and successful owners in the country, with a roll call of stars that also includes Group 1 winner Jimmysstar and Australian Cup winner Light Infantry Man. He’s had runners win some of the nation’s biggest races – and a few of the most competitive ones. 

But for Kheir, it’s not only about trophies. Racing is a release from the pace of daily life as a property developer. “You start at seven, finish at seven – it’s full-on. Then you talk horses – it’s a different energy, a different crowd. I love that.” 

He’s quick to credit those around him – bloodstock advisor Mat, his trainers, his loyal ownership group. “Those colours might be registered to me, but they represent all of us,” he says.  

Now, he approaches spring with tempered excitement – hopeful, but realistic. 

After all the highs and heartbreaks, it’s still the same sport that pulled him in. “You can’t predict it. That’s why it’s great,” Kheir says. “You’re always chasing the next moment.”