Athlete to make it a three-timer

MODEL ATHLETE, who has looked a reformed character of late, can complete a hat-trick in the FBD Insurance Hurdle at Kilbeggan this evening.

Noel Meade’s gelding was very disappointing, until getting off the mark over flights at Cork last month, taking a moderate maiden by a hard-earned half a length from Sporting Medic.

He then stepped up in class at Punchestown next time, but came through a far stiffer test with flying colours. Model Athlete made virtually all the running, battling strongly for Paul Carberry in the closing stages to hold the persistent challenge of Dancing Hero.