Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell completed an opening race double at Punchestown when Robin Des Mana triumphed in the Goffs Punchestown Invitational Sale Handicap Chase.

Robin Des Mana had a big danger removed when the challenging favourite Surrogate Lad departed at the final fence.

That left the Brendan Scully-owned Robin Des Mana clear to defeat Thirsty Work by nineteen lengths.

Half-an-hour before Elliott and Russell had combined for a win with Gigginstown House Stud’s Monbeg Notorious

"He's got his act together and he's running well," said Elliott.

"We might have been a bit of a fortunate winner, as the horse was going well behind us, but jumping is the name of the game.

"It's great for Brendan Scully who has been with us a long time. It's nice to get another winner for him.

"We'll just keep him to those two-mile handicap chases."

(GC & EM)