OTI joins Ballylinch Stud in Herbal ahead of Group 1 debut in Munich

OTI Racing has joined Ireland’s Ballylinch Stud in the ownership of Herbal, a four-year-old Lope de Vega entire who makes his first start for the partnership in the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Bayern over 2400 metres at Munich on Saturday

Herbal is rated 110 after five starts, OTI said when announcing the purchase. He remains with Chantilly trainer Philippe Decouz, and Benjamin Marie rides him from barrier 10 in a field of 10, carrying 60kg.

He won on debut at Compiegne in May and followed up over 2000 metres at Longchamp in June, coming from the rear of the field to reach the lead on the line in a race that included Group 3 and Listed winner Mont de Soleil.

He finished second in the Group 3 Prix du Prince d’Orange at his fourth start, his first in Group company. He then finished fourth, beaten a neck, in the Group 2 Prix du Conseil de Paris over 2200 metres at Longchamp in October.

Ballylinch already races partnership horses in Australia. Among them is New Endeavour, winner of the Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup in 2025. The stud has also raced Australian Group 2 winners Francesco Guardi and Surf Dancer.