CONCERN is mounting for top Tipperary international show jumper Kevin Babington who remains hospitalised following a bad fall sustained while competing at the Hampton's Classic Show in the USA two days ago.

The fall happened on Friday afternoon around 4pm when Kevin was competing at the top show in a qualifier for the Grand Prix taking place at the venue this weekend. The Carrick-on-Suir rider (51), a winner of the Hampton Classic Grand Prix in 2014 with his great mare Shorapur, was attended to by medics at the scene and was airlifted by helicopter from the showgrounds to Stony Brook University Hospital where he remains undergoing tests.

Details of the extent of his injuries are not clear at present but it is believed to involve a serious spinal injury.

Friend Sissy Wickes launched a Facebook appeal two days ago which has already raised almost €100,000 to help Kevin and his wife Dianne with the medical costs. The couple, who are based in Pennsylvania, have two daughters, Gwyneth and Marielle.

Kevin is one of Ireland's top international horsemen and is one of the most popular and well regarded horsemen on the USA international circuit.

We send Kevin and his family every good wish at this time and will be bringing you further updates.

Click here to donate to the Facebook page for Kevin