Kieswetter enjoying the Temps' victory from afar

Even though Craig Kieswetter was watching from home in Cape Town, he nevertheless won his second Grade One of the season at Aintree by roaring home Il Etait Temps.

The former cricket player for England is now an integral part of his family's racing business and, along with partners the Hollywood Syndicate, owns the small grey colt trained by Willie Mullins under the Barnane-stud name.

Having been a top-level scorer in the Dublin Racing Festival, he had to make do with third place in the Arkle before showcasing his superiority in the trip at Liverpool in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase, winning by a commanding nine lengths.

The six-year-old had achieved his third Grade One triumph in total, and the former England wicket-keeper was eager to honour the standout member of his family's National Hunt team.

Kieswetter added: “I’m absolutely delighted and to win like that, by over nine lengths, was incredible. I’m back in Cape Town but I’m sure they would have heard me shouting him home.

“It was fantastic to have my old man over there at Aintree along with Ross Doyle and Peter Wynn Jone. They flew over in the morning to watch the race and it was a great trip over for them.

“All Grade Ones are big races and that takes our tally up to three now and it could have been more. He’s come up against some proper horses, which you do in Grade Ones, and he’s small but mighty.

Kieswetter and the Barnane team are still chasing the elusive first triumph at the Cheltenham Festival, despite experiencing success at Royal Ascot, the Punchestown Festival, and now Aintree's Grand National Festival.

Kieswetter said: “The ground probably suited him and Aintree being flatter probably helped – he runs well at Leopardstown which we know. Hopefully, with a bit more experience he can go back to Cheltenham and challenge again.