by Curby Stillings, for the Keystone Chapter, USHWA

Washington, PA — Longtime racing official Ralph Jones, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., is currently recovering from complications following a hip replacement in mid-April.

Jones, an Ohio native and active member of the Keystone Chapter of USHWA, has been involved in harness racing his entire life, first working with his father in Ohio and in the field of Journalism around the country for various publications. In later years, he served as an employee of the PA Harness Racing Commission, working as a judge at many fairs as well as pari-mutuel tracks. He is currently working on his second harness racing book.

Growing up at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, Jones has not missed the September meet there since 1937, except for two years during World War II, when, as he puts it, “I couldn’t get home.” Both he and his bride, Ginger, started working at the fair in 1947.

Ralph and Ginger are the recipients of the Presidents Award from the Keystone Chapter this year, for service in Pennsylvania to the sport of harness racing. The award will be presented at the York Fair in September.

Despite this current setback, Ralph and Ginger plan to be at the York Fair as well as the 2012 Little Brown Jug.

In the meantime, Ralph would love to hear from his friends in racing. He can be reached at: Cumberland Crossing Rehab Center, 1 Longsdorf Way, Carlisle, PA 17015. Direct line: 717.240.2544.