Piano calls the tune in National

PIANO Star gave veteran trainer Michael Cunningham a timely pre-Galway boost when landing the 50,000 Ladbrokes Midlands National at Kilbeggan last night.

The 12/1 shot, strongly-ridden by Paddy Flood got the better of front-running Dow Jones at the final fence before edging right and staying on to triumph by a length and a half, with Mirpour a close and fast-finishing third.

Ruby Walsh tried to rally Dow Jones on the run-in but Piano Star had his measure. A Stewards Enquiry followed, with no alteration made to the placings.