What happens when there is a dead heat?
We explain what happens when there is a dead heat in horse racing
La Falaise (outside) and Fascino (inside) dead heated for first on Cox Plate day 2019 (Getty Images)
What Happens When There Is A Dead Heat?
Sometimes in racing, we see horses cross the line together and the judge has to call for a photo finish to see who has won the race by the barest of margins.
Sometimes this margin cannot be found and the judge will declare a dead heat and two victors are crowned.
What are the ramifications for a dead heat in racing for connections and punters?
How Does A Dead Heat Impact The Connections?
The second and first placings prize money is combined and then split between the connections of both winners.
The trainers will still receive 10 per cent of prize money and jockeys still receive their five per cent and owners then return on their share of the horse, but only from their half of the split prize money, not the total winners amount.
How Does A Dead Heart Impact Punters?
From a punting perspective, all win and place payouts will be halved for both winners of the race.
If you took $5 fixed for one of the winners, your fixed odds are now $2.50 and you will be returned on that dividend.
Exotics will be paid out on all combinations given so for example, exactas will be paid out on both horses winning, and both horses running second.
Odds are halved because the tote would be losing heavily if they were to payout on both winners. Although you are not paid your full dividend, you should still be happy as you were just as close to returning double as you were to returning nothing at all.
Dead Heat In Horse Racing FAQ
What is a dead heat in horse racing?
A dead heat in horse racing is when two or more runners cross the finish line locked together.
What happens if there's a dead heat in horse racing?
As a punter, your winning dividend is halved.
This means if you put cash on a $4 horse you'll get a $2 dividend.
What is the most famous dead heat in Australian racing?
The Hotham Handicap back in 1956 is the most famous dead heat in Australian horse racing. It was the first ever recorded triple dead heat.
There have just three more triple dead heat finishes since.
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