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 (Aus) to his powerful win in the G1 Sun Met.
Although he was born in Johannesburg and raised in Cape Town, Kieswetter decided–slightly controversially–to represent England at international cricket instead. The all-rounder's career came to an early conclusion due to an eye problem in 2015 and he has lately been attempting 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, while it was announced this month that the family were buying Highlands Stud in the Western Cape, which stands Antonius Pius, Pathfork and Dynasty (SAf) 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 through early 2016, finishing second behind Marinaresco (SAf) (Silvano {Ger}) in the G3 Winter Guineas and Winter Classic.
A gelding operation completely transformed his prospects and this was his fifth victory in a row. All were achieved at Kenilworth but only the most recent, the G2 Glorious Goodwood Peninsula Handicap, was above minor level.
Jockey Grey Cheyne was caught a little further behind than he would have preferred as Captain America (SAf) (Captain Al {SAf}) set a decent pace, which he maintained until the home turn. Whisky Baron was wide and seemingly in trouble for a brief moment but quickly breezed through the gears. Last year's runner-up Legal Eagle (SAf) (Greys Inn {SAf}), the outstanding performer of recent months and winner of the G1 Queen's Plate earlier this month, threw down his challenge to Captain America at the 400m but by now Whisky Baron was flying down the near rail and relegated Legal Eagle to second again, coming a length- and-a-half away.
The experienced and well-traveled 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, who explained, “It all kind of started when we gelded him in July; he has just got better and better. 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.”
Just before spraying the crowd, Formula 1-style, with a large bottle of champagne, Craig Kieswetter reflected, “It's very different. I am very lucky to have enjoyed a measure of success and achievement [in sport] but to have all the family up here with me, this probably tops it all.”
Pedigree Notes…
Whisky Baron is out of the Aga Khan mare Tazkara (Fr) (Sinndar {Ire}). His half-brother Rowie (Aus) (Flying Spur {Aus}) is a five-time winner in Australia while another half-brother, Flying Force (Aus) (Flying Spur {Aus}), also won at a fair level in Australia. Tazkara, out of Tashiriya (Ire), is a half-sister to French G3 winner Tashelka (Fr) (Mujahid), the dam of multiple group winner Tasaday (Nayef) and G3 Desmond S. winner Tribal Beat (Ire) (Street Cry {Ire}). The third dam, the G3 Princess Royal S. winner Tashtiya (Ire) (Shergar {GB}), is in turn a half to four other stakes winners.
Saturday, Kenilworth, South Africa
SUN MET-G1, R5,000,000, KEN, 1-28, 3yo/up, 10fT, 2:02.71, gd.
1–&WHISKY BARON (AUS), 127, g, 4, by Manhattan Rain (Aus)
1st Dam: Tazkara (Fr), by Sinndar (Ire)
2nd Dam: Tashiriya (Ire), by Kenmare (Fr)
3rd Dam: Tashtiya (Ire), by Shergar (Ire)
(A$50,000 yrl '14 INGAPR) O-Messrs C & R Kieswetter; B-
Arrowfield Group Pty Ltd (AUS); T-Brett Crawford; J-Greg
Cheyne. R2,850,000. Lifetime Record: 13 starts, 6 wins, 7
places, R3,446,375. Werk Nick Rating: C. Click for the
eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.[bullet ad=”irt-shell”]
2–Legal Eagle (SAf), 132, g, 5, Greys Inn–Young Sensation (Saf),
by National Emblem (Saf). (R425,000 yrl '13 SADAPR) O-
Mayfair Speculators (Pty) Ltd (Nom: Mr D L Brugman); B-
Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm (SAF); T-Sean Tarry. R1,000,000.
3–Captain America (SAf), 128, g, 6, Captain Al (Saf)–Requista
(SAf), by Fort Wood. (R400,000 yrl '12 SADAPR) O-Mesdames
Adam Gurney, D Nagle & D J Sherrell; B-Varsfontein Stud
(SAF); T-Brett Crawford. R500,000.
Margins: 1HF, NK, 1. Odds: 6.00, 2.00, 22.00.
Also Ran: Gold Standard (SAf), Marinaresco (SAf), French Navy (SAf), Bela-Bela (SAf), It's My Turn (SAf), Mac De Lago (Aus), Brazuca (Aus), Cape Speed (SAf), Baritone (SAf), The Conglomerate (Aus), Macduff (Aus), Mambo Mime (Saf).
Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
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