OP

[curious]

Opie Bosson Returns for New Season

3 July, 2025

 

 

 

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Te Akau Racing is delighted to announce that Hall of Famer Opie Bosson ONZM, one of New Zealand’s greatest jockeys, has today confirmed that he will return to the saddle for the new racing season beginning 1 August.

Bosson stepped away from race day commitments in early 2024, having achieved a remarkable 99 Group One victories and over 2100 career wins, creating an enduring legacy few in New Zealand racing can match.

Now, after a year working closely within Te Akau Racing - both riding trackwork at our Matamata base and playing a hands-on role at Te Akau Stud - Bosson has made the decision to return, refreshed and highly motivated for the challenges ahead.

“Stepping back from raceday riding gave me the time to take stock of everything,” Bosson said. “But riding trackwork every day, working with this new crop of horses at Te Akau, and getting fitter than I’ve been in years - I’ve rediscovered how much I love it. The drive is there. I want to give it another crack. I’m serious about it.”

Bosson, who was inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame in 2023 and awarded an ONZM for services to racing, admits the spark and desire was reignited over recent months.

“We’ve (Te Akau) got a stunning team of horses coming through for the new season - one of the best I’ve seen in a long time - and being a part of their development has made me want to be there on race day too. I’m enjoying working hard on my fitness, and I’d love nothing more than to bring up Group One number 100, and beyond.”

Te Akau Racing Principal David Ellis CNZM said he was proud to support Bosson’s return, emphasising the dedication and professionalism he has shown during his time off the track.

“Opie has been working every day in the gym at the farm, riding trackwork, and contributing to our programme on the farm and at the stables,” Ellis said. “He’s as focused and determined as ever, and you can just see he's rejuvenated and the enthusiasm is real. He hasn’t made this decision lightly - he’s earned the right to make this comeback on his terms, and we’re right behind him.”

Ellis added: “We all know the incredible contribution Opie has made to Te Akau Racing. More than 50 Group One wins for our stable alone, six Karaka Millions' victories, iconic rides on horses like Imperatriz, Probabeel, Avantage, and Melody Belle. He’s a once-in-a-generation rider.”

Bosson 's return is not a change of heart - it's the next chapter in a truly exceptional career, driven by a deep connection to the horse, the thrill of race riding, and a passion that clearly remains undimmed.

“I understand some might be surprised by the decision,” Bosson said. “But for me, it’s come from a place of genuine passion and purpose. I’ve taken the time, I’ve done the work, and I know I’m ready. I’m coming back because I love the industry, I love the horses, and I still have goals I want to achieve - and that includes chasing Group One win number 100.”

[curious]

Opie Bosson will return to riding in the new season.   Photo: Nicole Troost

Opie Bosson to make raceday return

Joshua Smith, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

3 July 2025

New Zealand Champion jockey Opie Bosson’s hunger for riding has returned, and he has announced he will make a comeback to the saddle in the new season. 

The revered hoop announced his retirement last December, admitting he was a spent force, but his passion for the sport has been reignited following a six-month break and he is excited to return to the competitive amphitheatre of the track next month. 

“It has been at the back of my mind for a little while now,” Bosson said. “I have still been riding track work, and there are a lot of nice horses coming through. 

“I didn’t really lose a lot of fitness, and I have got the hunger back again that I lost. I decided about eight weeks ago that I wanted to come back, so I have been training hard.” 

Weight was an ongoing battle for Bosson throughout his riding career, and he cited continual wasting as one of the driving factors behind his retirement decision last year, but he said he is finding it relatively easy returning to riding weight this time around. 

“I really needed the break to get my head right and the body right, and everything seems to be going well,” he said. 

“I have been working on bringing my weight down naturally without having to get in saunas and stuff like that. I haven’t missed a meal, and the weight is coming down perfectly.” 

Bosson enjoyed his stint away from racing, spending more time on hobbies and socialising outside of racing circles, but he is excited to return to the races and reunite with some familiar faces. 

“I have done a lot of fishing and met a lot of people outside of racing as well, I really enjoyed the summer,” he said. “But I have got the hunger back that I lost and I’ll start riding at the start of the new season.” 

Bosson was aligned with leading New Zealand stable Te Akau Racing prior to his retirement, and he will renew that association in the new season, citing Te Akau principal David Ellis as a major player in his return. 

“I have pretty much been living out at Te Akau Stud, training and working on the farm there. They have been so good to me,” Bosson said. 

The fresh start will also come with a change in riding agent, with Bosson parting ways with longtime associate Aidan Rodley. 

[Chief Stipe]

1 hour ago, curious said:

Bosson was aligned with leading New Zealand stable Te Akau Racing prior to his retirement, and he will renew that association in the new season, citing Te Akau principal David Ellis as a major player in his return. 

“I have pretty much been living out at Te Akau Stud, training and working on the farm there. They have been so good to me,” Bosson said. 

David Ellis is a bit of a gym bunny and has a fully equipped gym at the stud farm.  I'm sure he would have been motivating OP.

[Murray Fish]

on reflection,  if you look at say the riders like NGH  and CWJ, they both found that at a certain stage they actually started to lose a bit of muscle mass, which helped them lose a bit of weight, which meant they didn't have to be so stressed out making weight... CWJ had the advantage that he was a simple sensible eater, very helpful if you can actually eat! So many riders so suffer from not getting that sort of thing correct!

All the best for OP for this next stage of his career!

19 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

David Ellis is a bit of a gym bunny and has a fully equipped gym at the stud farm.  I'm sure he would have been motivating OP.

I presume that there will be some outside assistance in helping  with that sort of thing!  J Mac sets a great example in the so important area of any pro sportsman.