Kheir expands European footprint ahead of Deutsches Derby

Prominent Australian owner Ozzie Kheir will have a major European Classic contender carrying his colours on Sunday after buying into Epsom Derby performer Bay Of Brilliance ahead of the Group 1 Deutsches Derby at Hamburg.

The Ralph Beckett-trained son of New Bay enhanced his reputation when finishing a creditable fourth in the Derby at Epsom, having previously won twice as a two-year-old before chasing home Maltese Cross in the Listed Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes.

Kheir’s latest investment underlines his growing commitment to European racing, with Bay Of Brilliance acquired alongside partners and earmarked as a potential Australian racing prospect later in the year.

The Epsom form has already received a significant boost, with Derby runner-up Maltese Cross confirming the strength of the race, while Kheir was also represented in the Classic by third-place finisher James J Braddock to give the Melbourne businessman a remarkable presence in Britain’s premier three-year-old contest.

A capacity field of 20 has been declared for the Deutsches Derby, with German hopes headed by multiple Group winner Gostam and Group 2 Union-Rennen victor Englishman.

Bay Of Brilliance will fly the flag as the sole British and Irish-trained runner in the Hamburg feature after the withdrawal of the Ballydoyle pair Causeway and Hawk Mountain, with connections confident the colt has the credentials to be among the leading chances.