What happens if a race finishes in a dead heat?

If two horses cross the line at the same time, and a photo can’t separate them, the judges will declare a dead heat. This means that the horses share 1st place. They also share 2nd place.

If you have bet on one of these horses the bookies will split your stake in two. Half of the stake will be considered a winner (because the horse finished 1st), the other half will be considered a loser (it also finished 2nd).

For example, if you bet $50 at odds of 3.00 and it is a dead heat, the bookie will return $75. This is because only $25 of your bet won, so you get $25 x 3.00 = $75.

Betfair will also split the stake in two, so a dead heat will have very little effect on your overall profit/loss.

If your horse is in a 1st/2nd dead heat you will not receive any cash back or bonus bets from the bookie.

If it is a 2nd/3rd dead heat both horses will receive the promo. In the event of a 3rd/4th dead heat most bookies will pay bonuses to all 3 placing horses.