The first Australian foals by North American pacing star Cannibal have hit the ground, and early signs point to something special. Described by breeders as "absolute tanks," these foals are making a strong first impression, with their athletic build and presence. With a blueblood pedigree and rare racing versatility, Cannibal appears poised to become a serious influence in the southern hemisphere breeding ranks.
Foals have arrived at top nurseries like Burwood Stud in Queensland, where owner Noel Denning is enthusiastic in his praise. "They are absolute tanks," Denning said. "Big, strong, straight - they look like racehorses already." Denning describes the foals as impressive types showing size, correctness and quality. He is so pleased with the results that he plans to send a significant number of mares Cannibal’s way again this season. "I really believe he’s going to make it as a sire," Denning added. "He’s so well bred, and I’ve got a great feeling about this bloke. What he’s given us so far - we’re very impressed with."
Cannibal brings an exceptional pedigree to the table. A son of Sweet Lou out of an A Rocknroll Dance mare No More Losses, he descends from the influential Arterra (granddam) maternal line - a Hall of Fame broodmare and daughter of Delinquent Account (great granddam), some of the most influential mares in the modern breed. This female family has consistently produced world-class pacers across generations, including Breeders Crown winners If I Can Dream ($1.99M) and Western Terror ($1.16M). Western Terror also became a prolific sire with progeny earnings exceeding $88 million. Another standout from this maternal line is Artiscape, a son of Delinquent Account, who was a two-time Breeders Crown champion and later a successful sire in his own right.
Whilst Cannibal’s maternal line is full of class and stature, he also shares the exact same breeding cross as world champion Confederate, the 2023 U.S. Horse of the Year. Combining Sweet Lou’s speed with maternal stamina and class - Cannibal is a sire who offers an elite bloodline at a significantly more accessible service fee, making him an enticing proposition for breeders.
It is not just bloodlines that make Cannibal exciting - it’s what he did with them. On the track, he was a versatile and intelligent racehorse who won on all three standard track sizes. He captured a Meadowlands Pace elimination on a mile oval in 1:48.1, surged through to take the $350,000 Delvin Miller Adios on a five-eighths track and wired his elimination of the Little Brown Jug on the tight half-mile at Delaware. Few pacers show that kind of all-surface ability, and it speaks volumes about his athleticism and attitude. That versatility is especially valuable in Australia, where the harness racing landscape features a wide mix of track sizes and configurations. Cannibal’s proven adaptability makes him a natural fit for Australian breeders.
Trainer Nancy Takter called Cannibal the "epitome of an A+ racehorse," praising his great gait, conformation, and demeanour. Driver Yannick Gingras echoed the sentiment: "He’s got the speed, but his brain and his versatility are what make him the horse that he is. He’s so easy to drive, you can do anything with him."
Affectionally known as "Meatballs", Cannibal is a pleasure to work with, and this temperament has been thrown to his sons and daughters.
With such an encouraging start, it’s no surprise interest in Cannibal is strong again this season. As more foals arrive the buzz around his first crop is glowing - congrats to Cannibal!
Cannibal stands at $5,500 plus the HRA tax of 8% at Cobbitty Equine Farm.
Please reach out for great discounts and breeder incentives such as our very own and exclusive race series the $200,000 Cobbitty Equine Ultra Air Classic!
