What happens to a horse in dead heat?

A dead heat is a tie between two or more horses in a race. In the event of a dead heat, the prize money is usually divided evenly between the affected horses. The horses involved in a dead heat are also declared co-winners and receive the same trophy or prize.

Here's a more detailed explanation of what happens in the case of a dead heat:

1. Photo Finish: If the horses involved in the dead heat reach the finish line at the same time, a photo finish is used to determine the winner. The photo finish captures a sequence of images of the horses crossing the finish line, allowing judges to determine which horse's nose was ahead at the exact moment the line was crossed.

2. Dead Heat Declared: If the photo finish shows that the horses are in a dead heat, the race is declared a dead heat. The affected horses are considered co-winners and share the prize money and any associated awards.

3. Division of Prize Money: The prize money for the dead heat is divided evenly between the affected horses. For instance, if there is a dead heat for first place and the winning prize money is $100,000, each horse will receive $50,000.

4. Trophy or Prize Sharing: The horses involved in the dead heat also receive the same trophy or prize. If there is only one trophy available, it may be shared between the co-winners or they may each receive a replica trophy.

5. Impact on Betting: In horse races where betting takes place, a dead heat can affect payouts and odds. Betting rules may vary, but typically, if you have bet on a horse involved in a dead heat, your winnings may be adjusted accordingly.

6. Ruling by Racing Authorities: The final decision regarding dead heats and the distribution of prize money rests with the racing authorities or governing body responsible for the race.

It's worth noting that the exact procedures for handling dead heats may vary depending on the specific rules and regulations of the racing jurisdiction where the event takes place.