The Model Kingdom impresses Meade in Punchestown

The Model Kingdom retained her unbeaten record by scooting home in the Grade 3 mares' bumper at Punchestown.

The 9/2 chance travelled well behind the leaders in this steadily-run affair before getting a dream run through on the inner approaching the final furlong.

She led inside the final furlong and kept on well for Pat Taaffe to see off 200/1 outsider Beyond Ambitious by half a length. Another 9/2 shot, Battling Bessie completed the placings in third.

Noel Meade said: “I’d say the way the race was run suited her as she was very short.

“She got a stress fracture behind and had to stand in her box for about two months. I don’t know how she is fit but maybe she doesn’t take a lot to be ready.

“I’d say she will have a break but I have no doubt she could win flat races.

“She’s a well-bred mare.”

The Model Kingdom had been off since winning a Listed mares' bumper at Navan in November. Prior to that, she won a fillies' bumper at Galway in October.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee