Presque Isle moves first post earlier due to deer

After canceling its Monday and Tuesday cards due to a safety issue involving deer in its infield, along the outer rail of its backstretch, and crossing its racing surface, Presque Isle Downs plans to resume racing Wednesday with a new post time.

Since deer are most active around dusk and dawn, Presque Isle is changing its post time beginning Wednesday from its usual 5:25 p.m. Eastern to 3:05 p.m. The earlier post time will remain in effect on Thursday and for all of next week.

The start of morning training hours also is being changed from 6 to 9.

Presque Isle officials met with representatives of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday.

The Game Commission has recommended that Presque Isle remove foliage from its infield and the perimeter of the racing surface and that Presque Isle increase the height of the fencing surrounding the track.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Presque Isle was waiting for the USDA to make its recommendations.

In addition to canceling its Monday and Tuesday cards this week, Presque Isle canceled its final four races last Sunday and five races June 22.