IRISH eventer Elizabeth Power has been kept in hospital for observation after suffering a heavy fall during yesterday's cross-country phase of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

Power, sister of 2007 Grand National-winning jockey Robbie Power, was knocked out when she fell from Kilpatrick River at the Sunken Lane.

She regained consciousness and was airlifted to Bristol's Frenchay Hospital, where Badminton organisers say her condition is stable.

Power was among 11 riders to fall in the cross-country, which concluded with New Zealand's Mark Todd leading the field in pursuit of his fourth Badminton title.

Her fellow Irish challenger Camilla Speirs was treated at Badminton's on-site medical centre after parting company with Portersize Just a Jiff, while Germany's Ingrid Klimke tumbled from FRH Butts Abraxxas entering Huntsmans Close.

Klimke was also taken to Frenchay Hospital, where she underwent X-rays on her knee.

The competition ends this afternoon with what should prove a thrilling showjumping finale.

The leading 12 riders are separated by less than four penalties - or one showjumping fence down - with 55-year-old Todd just 0.2 penalties in front of German Marina Kohncke.

And there is also a strong British contingent chasing the £60,000 top prize, with the quartet of Nicola Wilson (Opposition Buzz), Piggy French (Jakata), Laura Collett (Rayef) and Mary King (Imperial Cavalier) all strongly-placed.

MORE UPDATES FROM THE FINAL DAY OF BADMINTON LATER TODAY AT WILTSHIRETIMES.CO.UK AND FULL REACTION & PICTURES IN FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES