The star Jockey is set for Comeback Ahead starting August 1 of the 2025/26 Southern Hemisphere Season

After a brief break from competitive riding, Hall of Fame jockey Opie Bosson will return to race day duties when the new New Zealand racing season begins on August 1.

One of the most accomplished riders in the country’s history, Bosson has amassed 99 Group One wins and more than 2,100 career victories. He stepped away from race riding in early 2024 but remained closely involved with Te Akau Racing, working trackwork at the stable’s Matamata base and assisting with operations at Te Akau Stud.

In a statement confirming his return, Bosson said the time away gave him a chance to reflect on his career and rediscover his passion for competition.

> “Stepping back from race-day 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.”

Bosson, who was inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame in 2023 and received an ONZM for services to the sport, noted that the opportunity to work with a new generation of horses reignited his competitive instincts.

His decision has been welcomed by Te Akau Racing, where Bosson has ridden more than 50 Group One winners in the stable’s colors, including Karaka Million stars and Group One champions like Imperatriz, Melody Belle, Avantage, and Probabeel.

Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis said Bosson’s return had been carefully considered.

“Opie has been working every day in the gym at the farm, riding trackwork, and contributing to our program,” Ellis said. “He’s rejuvenated and the enthusiasm is real. He hasn’t made this decision lightly, and we’re right behind him.”

Bosson emphasized that his comeback is not simply a return to familiar territory, but a fresh chapter in a career still driven by personal ambition. Chief among his goals: reaching a milestone 100th Group One win.

“I understand some might be surprised,” he said. “But this comes from a place of genuine passion and purpose. I’ve done the work, I know I’m ready, and I still have goals I want to achieve.”

Bosson’s return adds a high-profile storyline to the 2025/26 New Zealand racing season, with fans and connections alike watching to see whether the veteran rider can add to an already remarkable legacy.
 

Image Te Akau Racing