Andrew was nicknamed “Hoss” because of his resemblance to Dan Blocker’s character in the famous TV series Bonanza.
In Part 1 Andrew outlines his reasons for bringing down the curtain on his long career with Sky Racing and Sky Sports Radio.
He talks of his childhood in Wangaratta and the elderly neighbours he called Nan and Pa. They introduced him to the excitement of the racetrack.
Andrew talks of his adoption to foster parents Bruce and Leila Bensley. His Dad was an engineer and wanted Andrew to follow in his footsteps.
He remembers his first job in radio at 4VL Charleville, and a short stint at 4LM Mt. Isa.
Andrew takes us through his time at 3TR Sale and later at 3DB where he worked with legendary caller Bill Collins. He pays special tribute to the man.
He recalls his time at 3UZ and his move into television at GTV Channel 9 in Melbourne
He reflects on the many roles he filled at Channel 9 before getting a phone call from Graham McNeice. Sky had just introduced its now famous home service and needed a Melbourne correspondent.
(Banner image - Early in his career at 3UZ Melbourne.)