Willie Mullins looks to have a smart prospect on his hands in Sir Des Champs after the French recruit won on his Irish debut at Navan.
Sent off the 11-8 favourite for the Navan Golf Club Open For Membership Hurdle, the five-year-old shared the lead for most of the way and was threatened by White Star Line coming down the straight.
Davy Russell got a good response when he asked for an effort and after a slick jump at the last, Sir Des Champs went away to score by two and a half lengths.
Russell carried the same Gigginstown House Stud colours on favourite Ballymak in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase, but the double just evaded him.
Pauline Gavin-trained market rival Ad Idem (2-1) built a decisive advantage and jumped the last well clear, but he slowed up and Andrew McNamara got him home by only half a length as Ballymak devoured the lead.
Colin McBratney's bumper winner Sydney Des Pictons made a winning debut over jumps when he took the 2011 Navan Membership Maiden Hurdle in convincing fashion.
Eddie O'Connell was in no hurry with the 7-1 chance, waiting until approaching the last flight before delivering a telling challenge to go clear of favourite Sicilian Secret for a four-length victory.
Cootamundra looked all over the winner of the Tote Jackpot Guarantee Maiden Hurdle when he eased into the lead apparently full of running at the final flight.
But the Dessie Hughes-trained Raz De Maree (4-1) made relentless progress up the run-in under Bryan Cooper and stormed past at the end of the near three-mile trip to score by two lengths.
Andrew Lynch attacked between the final two flights on Accordion To Paddy (14-1), who went away on the run-in to take the Meath Handicap Hurdle by four and a half lengths for the Michael O'Hare yard.
The trainer doubled up when Arctic Mick (6-1) strode clear to take the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase under Mattie Bowes.
