CATRIONA ‘Catch’ Bissett, from the Nick Alexander stable, was crowned Employee of the Year at a glittering ceremony for the 2019 Godolphin Stud and Stable Awards on Monday night.
Catch, also the recipient of the Leadership Award for her work as assistant to her Fife-based boss, was presented with the prizes at the BHA hosted event in the Jumeirah Carlton Tower hotel in London’s Knightsbridge.
As well as the prestigious Godolphin Trophy, handed over by Sir Anthony McCoy, she collected a cheque for £30,000 of which half will be shared among staff at Alexander’s Kinneston stables.
An emotional Catch said: “I’m so honoured and it’s really testament to everyone at home – this is for them as well. I love working with horses but I love working with people that also like working with horses. We have quite a young team at Kinneston and seeing them get into racing and then progress and evolve is the best kick of the whole game for me.”
Nick Alexander added: “We are all very proud of Catch. Her compassion and concern for employees’ welfare if they are hurt at work, are ill, or have problems at home is of paramount importance in enforcing the caring culture that we strive towards.
After completing the BHA Graduate Scheme in 2011, Catch joined the Alexander yard three years later before being promoted to her current role.
In total there were a record number of four Scottish finalists which was highlighted on the night by BHA Chief Executive, Nick Rust.
David MacLeod (James Ewart) and Jamie Duff (Lucinda Russell) were both nominated for the Dedication to Racing Award while Sarah Montgomery (Musselburgh racecourse) was in the Rory MacDonald Community Award category.
Rust added: “For Catch to be named Employee of the Year when our sport employs 6,000 people who work so hard to provide first class care to our horses is a fantastic achievement.”
Brough Scott, Chairman of the judging panel, said: “It was tougher than ever to reach a final decision this year, but Catch is a hugely deserving winner for all the work she has done in developing and mentoring other members of the team at Kinneston.”