Mr Opie Bosson, of Tuakau, ONZM, for services to thoroughbred racing
Opie Bosson (Ngāti Whakaue, Rangiwewehi) is a leading New Zealand jockey. He has won 91 Group 1 races in New Zealand and others internationally. His wins include the Karaka Million six times, Auckland Cup, Australian Oaks, Australian Caufield Cup, Australian Derby, Singapore Derby, and Singapore Gold Cup. He broke the record for New Zealand Group 1 race wins in 2019, when he achieved his 63rd win at the New Zealand Stakes at Ellerslie. His 128 season wins have placed him as the current top New Zealand jockey. He began as an apprentice jockey for Te Akau Racing and has since been Te Akau’s senior stable rider during the most successful period of any stable in the history of New Zealand racing. Mr Bosson has tutored young and aspiring riders.