Spargo returned to Australia last year after a career that was highlighted by his tenure as the chief broadcaster in Dubai for 17 years.

His first Gold Coast call was back in April of 1976, before he was made the full-time caller at the course in mid-1977. He held the post until August 1993, when Terry Bailey took over.

Spargo has lived on the Gold Coast since returning home and said it was a straight forward decision to accept the offer to return to his old role.

“I grabbed it with both hands,” he said.

“I live just a few minutes from the track, if I wasn’t working I’ve been there every Saturday as a punter.

“It was a great place to me when I kicked off, when I was the number three coming through and it certainly helped me get to where I did internationally and I’m very chuffed to be back,” he said at the time.

By David Thiselton