New Zealand jockey Opie Bosson has turned his back on a permanent move to Australia, committing to the Te Akau Racing operation as its retained stable rider for another season.
Bosson spent the majority of the autumn based in Sydney and was the leading Group One rider over the carnival.
He posted major wins on Te Akau Shark in the Chipping Norton Stakes, Probabeel in the Surround Stakes, Quick Thinker in the ATC Australian Derby and Tofane in the All Aged Stakes.
Te Akau Shark and Probabeel are prepared by Te Akau Racing’s trainer Jamie Richards.
“I definitely strongly considered re-locating to Australia for the new season,” Bosson said.
“However I have been to Te Akau Stud and the Matamata stable and after seeing the quality of yearlings … and also seeing how the older horses had spelled, I wanted to be part of the future success I know is coming.
“The talent the stable has just blew me away.
“I also really enjoy working with Jamie. He’s a freak of a trainer who understands a horse better than anyone I know.”
The lifestyle of living on his farm in New Zealand has also played a role in Bosson’s decision.
“It was tempting (to move to Australia), but I really missed the farm. If I didn’t have the farm or Te Akau I would definitely have gone,” Bosson told the NZ Racing Desk.
“We enjoy the lifestyle of farming and the horses at Te Akau that we have got coming up look quite exciting.”
With a number of high-profile horses on the Te Akau books, Bosson can still be expected to be riding throughout the major carnivals in Australia.
Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis said Richards and Bosson had proven a formidable combination and was thrilled to retain the jockey for next season.
“He is a truly gifted rider, with beautiful balance and the best instinct you will see,” Ellis said.
