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Craig Kieswetter would not have always been the toast of a South African crowd after a sporting triumph, but the 29-year-old will certainly be forgiven by all those that followed the well-supported Whisky Baron in his powerful win in the G1 Sun Met at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Although he was born in Johannesburg and raised in Cape Town, Kieswetter decided to represent England at international cricket. The all-rounder’s career came to an early conclusion due to an eye problem in 2015 and he has since tried to make the cut as a professional golfer.

Whisky Baron is named after Kieswetter’s father Wayne, who had a share of a malt distillery in Scotland.

Craig and his brother Ross own Whisky Baron. It was was announced this month that the family were buying Highlands Stud in the Western Cape, which stands Antonius Pius, Pathfork and Dynasty among others.

Whisky Baron had a lower-profile than most of those in this prestigious event, only making his debut as a 3-year-old and winning a maiden at the third time of asking.

Whisky Baron made progress last year finishing second behind Marinaresco in the G3 Winter Guineas and Winter Classic.

A gelding operation has transformed him with the Met his fifth victory in a row.

All were achieved at Kenilworth but only the most recent, the G2 Goodwood Peninsula Handicap, was above the minor level.

Last year’s Met runner-up Legal Eagle, the outstanding performer of the season and winner of the G1 Queen’s Plate earlier this month, threw down his challenge at the 400m but Whisky Baron was flying and came clear to win by a length and a half.

His jockey Grey Cheyne said: “It’s unbelievable. The stable was very confident, and so was I. He had come here with a soft preparation but they knew what they had.

“I tracked a bit deep early on in the back straight and we managed to find the fence and I gave myself options.

“I could see Legal Eagle so I tacked onto him and he towed me into the race superbly. He’s the most improved horse I’ve ever ridden.”

It was a third win in the Met for trainer Brett Crawford.

“It all kind of started when we gelded him in July, he has just got better and better,” Crawford said.

“I’m a firm believer that when a horse gets into winning ways, it gives them an edge and it’s hard to beat them.”