Sam Bergerson, New Zealand’s leading trainer, was recognised by his peers when receiving the top gong at the Entain Industry Excellence Awards on Sunday night.Bergerson is part of the Te Akau Racing juggernaut, training in partnership with Mark Walker for the last two seasons, securing the trainers’ premiership last season and currently leads this year’s premiership with 127 wins and more than $9.1 million in stakes earnings. The 31-year-old’s achievements were recognised on Sunday night, receiving the Equine Licence Holder Excellence Award before being bestowed the overall Supreme Entain Excellence Award.

“It was pretty exciting,” Bergerson said. “It was a really cool night and I had family up there and plenty of friends, so it was really cool. “To get the recognition among your peers against some really good horse people was very humbling. It is an exciting time to be a part of the industry with what Entain is doing. To get recognition through their awards is amazing. I can’t thank them enough for the award.”

Bergerson said it has been a whirlwind last couple of years, and he is grateful for the position he is in, leading the New Zealand arm of Te Akau Racing, with Walker spending the majority of his time overseeing their Cranbourne base.

“It has been a massive couple of years,” Bergerson said. “I am very fortunate and privileged to be in the position I am in with Te Akau, with the backing of Mark (Walker), Karyn (Fenton-Ellis) and David (Ellis). It is just a fantastic opportunity.  I just love it. It is a lot of work and a lot of sacrifice, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I am very grateful to them for the opportunity to work with these wonderful horses and fantastic group of staff and owners. It has been an awesome journey so far and I am looking forward to the future.”

Bergerson said he owes a lot of his success to his training partner and staff.“I am so grateful to Mark. He has been a fantastic mentor to me and we have got a really good relationship,” he said. “I look at him like a mate, not like a boss. He has really taken me under his wing and we have had some great success together and gone through the hardships as well. Te Akau is a great enterprise to be a part of. I have come through the system there under Jamie (Richards) and then Mark, and I have been fortunate to get some amazing opportunities and work alongside some great people. I couldn’t do it without the staff here, they are a really good group of people. They are the ones at the coalface and don’t get the recognition and exposure I have been able to get through being the head trainer. But you can’t do it without the people at the forefront there every day.I won a bit of money last night, so we will probably have to have a shout and a bit of a celebration, which will be cool.”

Bergerson received $10,000 as a category winner and an additional $5,000 as the Entain Excellence Award winner, as well as a $5,000 education package.
========================================================
Opie “is  back” !!!

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 Te Akau’s 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.”