Top British event rider WIlliam Fox-Pitt has “made progress” and is now conscious in hospital.

The Olympic eventer has been in hospital in France since Saturday 17 October, when he fell at Le Lion d’Angers.

He suffered a head trauma in the fall.

“Today (Monday 26 October) William is conscious, breathing on his own and communicating with his family and doctors, however he is still very ill,” read a statement from British Eventing.

“He and his family are very grateful for all the support and messages, it is hugely appreciated. Further progress is going to take time.”

His wife, Channel 4 Racing presenter Alice Plunkett, flew to France last week to be with him.

William fell at fence 20, an owl hole, on the cross-country with Reinstated.

The pair were competing in the seven-year-old CCI2* class at the FEI/WBFSH world championships for young eventing horses.

The horse, whom William first competed in May 2014 at Chatsworth, was not injured in the fall.

The course was held for more than an hour while William received medical assistance before being transferred to Angers hospital.

He had been kept sedated for the past week, with the 46-year-old remaining under observation.

Willliam, who currently stands at number three in the world eventing rankings, had already completed the course successfully on his first ride, The Soapdodger.

His last win was at the CIC3* at Hartpury in August with Bay My Hero.