by Gerry Connors, the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission
Harrisburg, PA — Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the waters of the Pennsylvania Fair Circuit free for all trot … up jumps the Shark!
![](http://ustrottingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/5387-040915paShark.jpg)
Gerry Connors Photo
Shark Kosmos and Roger Hammer equaled their own track mark on Tuesday.
Shark Kosmos returned on Wednesday to the York County Fairgrounds, where he had set the track trotting record of 2:013 last year, and despite cool and overcast conditions, he equaled that mark while in rein to Roger Hammer.
The son of S J’s Photo posted splits of :31, 1:003 and 1:312 during the recordsetting mile for Hammer, who is also trainer and co-owner with Vicki Fair.
Perennial fair kingpin Hammer flashed his pearly whites in the winner’s circle six times on the Wednesday card, combining with Tuesday’s four triumphs to give him 10 wins for the short York set.
The 10, of course, is one shy of the U.S. record 11 wins Hammer recorded during a York card last year.
Fastest pacing mile of the day was the 1:59 posted by the Arturo colt Shu Hanover in Pennsylvania Sires Stakes action.
The sophomore, who earlier had set track records at Gratz and Meadville, took down victory number eight on the year for trainer/driver Todd Schadel, who also co-owns with Arnold “the Maine Attraction” Shaw.
The Tuesday York card also saw the retirement of longtime Pennsylvania fair official and lifelong harness devotee Ralph Jones.
![](http://ustrottingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/5387-040915paJones.jpg)
Gerry Connors Photo
Jones, who also served with the Pennsylvania Harness Commission for many years, was feted by York Fair officials, along with PA Harness Commissioners Roy Wilt and Ed Rogers.
As feisty as ever, Jones noted, “I have to go in for some surgery. But the doctors tell me what they are going to do; I tell them when they are going to do it,” mentioning a date two weeks hence.
But what else would you expect from someone who has “BRWN JUG” on his PA license plate?