A YORK company that employs disabled people today expressed disappointment that leading horse racing venues across the country buy its products - while York Racecourse is not on its list of customers.

Yorkcraft makes matting which it has sold to major tracks at Epsom, Sandown, Doncaster, Ludlow, Redcar, Brighton and Windsor since 1999.

The high-quality coir fibre matting is made by Yorkcraft's Tadcaster Road team of workers who are blind and deaf and also have learning difficulties.

The hard-wearing matting, which staff compared with school gym mats, is used in the racing industry to line horse boxes. It can also be used inside homes or on roads.

Richard Douglas, manager of employment services, City of York Council, said it was "sad" the Knavesmire course was not among Yorkcraft's clients.

He said: "It's sad and very disappointing, particularly as we are neighbours. We back on to the rear of the course.

"We have contacted the racecourse on numerous occasions, as it is on our mailing lists, but we've had no response whatsoever."

Councillor Ian Cuthbertson, of City of York Council, alongside social services executive member Coun Sue Galloway, is pushing for a Yorkcraft presence at the racecourse.

Coun Cuthbertson, Liberal Democrat member for Strensall ward, said: "It would be a nice gesture if the racecourse would support a local supplier in this way."

A spokesman for York Racecourse said: "We work with a wide range of suppliers both locally and nationally and always welcome offers of products that might help us.

"Of course, not every suggested product is appropriate and as with any organisation we would need to consider how appropriate it was, the value it provided and so on."

As well as race matting, Yorkcraft specialises in bulk mailing, contract packing of goods like Christmas cards and sub-assembly.

Sponsored by City of York Council, the Yorkcraft workshop provides employment for about 52 people with disabilities in the factory, and also through companies across York and North Yorkshire.

Updated: 10:17 Saturday, August 21, 2004