After two decades of near misses and heartbreak, British trainer Brian Ellison is hoping luck finally turns his way in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.

Ellison’s history with the race includes the tragic loss of Carte Diamond in 2005 and Bay Story’s breakdown two years later. His 2011 pair, Moyenne Corniche and Saptapadi, finished well back.

But things improved when Onesmoothoperator delivered Ellison his first Australian win in last year’s Geelong Cup before finishing 12th in the Melbourne Cup.

Fresh off victory in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, Onesmoothoperator has enjoyed a smooth lead-up to this year’s race.

“He’s a better horse now and he learned a lot from last year,” Ellison said. “At the moment, touch wood, everything has been going to plan.”

A Melbourne Cup triumph would be the ultimate reward for Ellison, who described Australia as “the best place ever to come racing.”