What is a 'Dead Heat' in horse racing?

Short Answer: A 'Dead Heat' occurs when two or more horses cross the finish line at the exact same time and cannot be separated even by a photo finish. In this case, your bet is settled as a winner, but your payout is reduced.

1. Payout Calculation

The standard rule is to divide your stake by the number of horses involved in the dead heat. For example, if you bet R100 at 10/1 and your horse ties for 1st with one other horse, your stake is treated as R50. Your payout would be R50 x 10 = R500 (plus your R50 stake back).

2. Place Betting

In place betting, if a dead heat occurs for the final paying position (e.g., two horses tie for 3rd when only 3 places pay), the same rule applies—the payout is divided among the tied selections.