A Melbourne Cup-winning racehorse owner is "among the local businessmen financially backing" the new western Melbourne team entering the A-League next season, according to Bossi & Lynch of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Western Melbourne Group is financed by a local consortium of investors that is understood to include Aziz Kheir, the former owner of 2014 Melbourne Cup-winning horse Protectionist and last year's runner-up, Marmelo. It is understood Kheir's involvement with the team -- now named Western United Football Club -- is through his property development company, Resimax, which lists former Olympic Gold Medal pole vaulter Steve Hooker as its CEO. Resimax is understood to be one of the largest single backers of Western United, being the main commercial property partner of Jaszac Investment group. Jaszac and Resimax are "thought to be funding approximately three quarters of the project," which includes a self-funded stadium with a proposed capacity of 15,000 in Tarneit, with the land provided by Wyndham Council (SMH, 2/13).
