Trainer Noel Meade was denied a hat-trick of wins at Kilbeggan today when John 'Shark' Hanlon's Luska Lad defeated Meade's Realt Star by a short head.

Realt Star traveled strongly throughout but, having been matched at 1.06 (almost 1/20) in-running, came under strong pressure inside the final furlong and was eventually headed by the winner close home.

Afterwards Hanlon mentioned "Luska Lad is a very smart horse and will go hurdling now. He is as tough as nails and loves soft ground."