The Gold Cup takes centre stage on Ladies Day at Royal Ascot on Thursday and this year could be made all the more special should the big race go the way of the Queen who owns the favourite Estimate trained by Sir Michael Stoute. There's a bumper field of 18 runners for this two and a half mile marathon which has been won in the past by the likes of Sagaro, Fame And Glory and famously four times on the spin between 2006 and 2009 Yeats, trained by Aiden O'Brien.

Nigeria and Uruguay come together for a crucial 2013 Confederations Cup Group B clash at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador on Thursday night. Nigeria crushed minnows Tahiti in their opening fixture to put them top of the table, while Uruguay were dominated in a defeat to tournament favourites Spain. This leaves the South American outfit on the brink of elimination if they lose their second match, whereas the Super Eagles can seal their place in the semi-finals with a win.

Irish eyes will veer to Alive Alive Oh on day three of Royal Ascot as Tommy Stack’s progressive filly will look to bag the Ribblesdale Stakes for the Emerald Isle for the third year on the spin and she has shown some smart form over the last few months and she is one of the leading contenders for what looks an intriguing renewal of the Group Two event.