Opie Bosson - Champion Jockey of the Year

For the fifth time, Te Akau stable rider Opie Bosson was announced Champion Jockey of the Year.

During a season that he reached a notable milestone of 65 Group One wins, chasing down Hall of Fame legend Lance O'Sullivan, who recorded 62 Group One victories, Bosson was clearly the leading rider at elite level last season in New Zealand, winning six Group Ones: two each aboard Melody Belle (Commands), Yourdeel (Dundeel), and Danzdanzdance (Mastercraftsman).

“It was a big thrill, after the start that I had (to the season),” Bosson said. “I had to get a lot of help to get my weight down, and a big thank you to David Ellis. He got me in the gym and really worked me hard. So, all the hard work paid off. I'm back to that stage this year and only about a week away. I'd also like to thank my wife, Emily. She's my rock and if I step out of line she's always there to straighten me out.”

David Ellis said: “I was thrilled for Opie to be named Champion Jockey again. In my opinion, he's deserved it a lot more frequently than he's won it, but it was nice to see, again in my opinion, that the judges got it right. 

“Opie is quite clearly one of the greatest jockey's that this country has ever produced, and richly deserved. He's quite frequently out of bed at 2.45 a.m. to drive to the Matamata track, rides up to 12 horses most mornings, then comes to my gym and trains for an hour with our personal trainer and me, and a lot of people don't understand how hard he works and the sacrifices he makes to get his weight down, and the commitment that he gives to it. 

“He's certainly a very important part of our stable. He came to work for Te Akau when he was 14 years old. He was a Champion Apprentice, now a multiple champion senior rider, and he's a champion person too.”

The evening was summed up nicely by MC Oscar Knightley, when saying: “Having a racing industry is one of the things that makes New Zealand a proper country”.

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