Diamond Creek announced on Thursday, Nov. 2 that its 2023 Adios Pace winner, Cannibal, will retire to stud in 2024. Cannibal will stand at Blue Chip Farms in Wallkill, New York. 

Cannibal finished on the board in six of his eight starts as a two-year-old, including winning the final of the Kentucky Sire Stakes Commonwealth Series. He returned as a three-year-old in full form; his most notable wins being the Adios Pace at The Meadows, and divisions of both the Bluegrass and the Tattersalls Pace at The Red Mile. Cannibal also won legs of the Kentucky Sire Stakes, a Meadowlands Pace elimination and a Little Brown Jug elimination -- the latter proving his ability on a half-mile track. Recently, Cannibal duelled Stockade Seelster to finish third at Hoosier Park in the Breeders Crown, bringing his career earnings now over $700,000.

"Cannibal impresses with his great gait, wonderful disposition, conformation and consistent performance -- making him the epitome of an A-plus racehorse," said the sophomore colt's trainer, Nancy Takter. 

The State of New York recently passed a bill that allows for interstate shipped semen. This means that mares bred to Cannibal outside of New York will still be eligible for all New York Sire Stakes races.  The bill also includes special bonuses, complimenting Breeders Awards, for eligible foals from mares bred within the state in order to promote and reward mare residency. 

"With the ability to ship semen out of New York now, we are excited about this opportunity to partner with Blue Chip to stand Cannibal," said Diamond Creek's Adam Bowden. "Their experience with breeders in and out of New York is invaluable. Tom's operation is first class."

"We are excited to partner with the most dynamic farm in the business to build a syndicate around a great racehorse from my favourite family in the sport," said Blue Chip Farms' Tom Grossman, adding, "We are taking advantage of recent regulatory changes to resurrect the New York program. Blue Chip strongly believes in Cannibal and will not only stand him but will also become a significant shareholder." 

A Diamond Creek homebred, Cannibal is a Sweet Lou colt out of the A Rocknroll Dance mare, No More Losses, a golden cross that he shares with fellow superstar Confederate (1:46.1, $2,100,504). His deep maternal bloodline is anchored by the U.S. Hall of Fame broodmares, Arterra and Delinquent Account.  Arterra produced world champion If I Can Dream (1:49.4, $2,038,153) and O'Brien Award winner Western Terror (1:48.3, $1,289,422). Arterra is also the dam of the Diamond Creek mare, Blood Diamond. Blood Diamond has produced Blood Brother ($978,393), Blood Line ($583,894) and Blood Money ($466,745). 

Cannibal will point to the Matron Stakes and Progress Pace at Dover Downs before retiring to stud in partnership with Blue Chip Farms in New York.

He will be syndicated and stand for $6,000, live foal.

For syndication and mare booking details, contact Diamond Creek at 717-638-7100 or [email protected], or Blue Chip Farms at 854-895-3930 ext. 14 or [email protected]. There will also be information available at the Diamond Creek and Blue Chip consignments in Harrisburg next week.

(With files from Diamond Creek Farm)