Cheltenham, not for the first time, was plagued by the low-setting sun today as the final two fences of the £55,000 (€83,000) Ladbrokes Trophy Chase had to be dolled off.

JONJO O’NEILL is planning a major onslaught on Cheltenham’s key Festival trials on Saturday with Wichita Lineman, Exotic Dancer and hurdling debutant Mountain set to face the starter along with Black Jack Ketchum.

Kicking King, winner of the King George VI Chase, heads 39 entries for the inaugural Daily Telegraph Festival Trophy Chase at Cheltenham.