By Garry Dell
Towers Jockey Club husband-and-wife team Robert and Sally Kirkwood have been through some tough times cattle farming but the past three years have really tested their durability.
Robert, club president for the past 16 years and Sally, secretary for the past six years, have steered the club through a challenging time rebuilding the club.
For the past three years, racing at Charters Towers has not occurred due to necessary rebuilding of the track and facilities.
With the assistance of funding from Racing Queensland, and support of the local racing fraternity, the track was reconstructed and facilities finished earlier this year.
However, last month’s Cup meeting was ultimately postponed and rescheduled for month until this Saturday.
"It's given us quite a few headaches but we just had to bite the bullet and get on the phone and internet to our helpers and sponsors," Sally said.
"But the community's been marvellous in reorganising things like the Fashions On The Field and catering for what we hope will be a record crowd.”
The club and cattle farming are enough to keep most people busy, but the couple also train up to six horses.