A FOOTWEAR manufacturer has secured European funding for the production of a revolutionary racing saddle.

Classic Racing Products received a grant of more than £2,000 through a European initiative designed to regenerate rural areas.

Located on Gallowfields Trading Estate, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, Classic Racing Products has developed the saddle for flat and national hunt jockeys. It is significantly lighter, stronger and more secure than other products on the market.

The part of the saddle that fits over the horse's spine and supports the girth straps and stirrups is carbon-kevlar, which is both light and tough, and keeps its shape and position under stress.

"To produce the saddle in reasonable quantities, we needed specialist equipment and tooling, which we have now been able to purchase with the extra funding," said Nathan Horrocks, former jockey and co-director of Classic Racing Products.

"We are confident that the saddle - produced in two sizes and weights - will be well received by jockeys both within the UK and overseas."

The European funding was accessed by Business Solutions Bedale, which is part-funded by Richmondshire District Council to provide advice to businesses in the area.