La Touche Cup right fit for Big Shu again, says Maher

Peter Maher is eyeing Punchestown Festival compensation for Big Shu after his stable star’s early exit from the Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.

The nine-year-old clinched Punchestown’s La Touche Cup last April, following up his victory in the Glenfarclas Cross-Country Chase at Cheltenham Festival.

Having finished a good third when defending his Cheltenham crown, Big Shu was strongly fancied by some for the world’s most famous steeplechase, but he only made it as far as the third fence before falling under Peter Buchanan.