Punchestown double up for Elliott and Russell

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)