Dead heat - NHA requests Race Coast to ensure equipment accuracy

On Monday, 22 September 2025 at Hollywoodbets Durbanville in Race 5, a dead heat was called between the two declared winners, SAUDI CAT (ARG) and WHAT A FORTUNE.

The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) has received numerous enquiries on this particular race, and in the interests of transparency, wishes to share with the public the decision-making process behind declaring the dead heat.

In circumstances involving a close, compact finish, photographic evidence is used to determine the winner.

The photo-finish camera, lined up to the finish post, is used to generate the photo for the Judges. After examination of this image (the “positive image”), neither SAUDI CAT (ARG) nor WHAT A FORTUNE could be separated. As a result of this, the Judges called for the mirror image (or “negative image”) to obtain the view from the opposite angle.

Based on the view from the negative image, the outside horse SAUDI CAT (ARG) appeared to be marginally in front of the inside horse WHAT A FORTUNE.  In order to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the negative image, the Judges reviewed the positive and negative images for the 3rd and 4th placed horses in the same race (BOOGIEFIED (AUS) and STAR MAJOR, respectively.

It was noted from this image that the lines superimposed on the negative image were not aligned with the horses’ noses, indicating that the mirror used for creating the negative image was not properly aligned with the winning post.

Based on this evidence and following consultation between the Judges and the Stipendiary Stewards, a decision was made to use only the positive image for the purpose of rendering the decision and to disregard the negative image.

There was no discernible difference between the horses’ noses, and the decision was therefore made to award the dead heat under Rule 65.5. This rule states that “Except where a HORSE'S nose is not visible, the judge shall base his decision exclusively on the HORSE'S nose and if there is a discernible difference, he shall not give a dead heat”.

This rule applies to the positive side of the image, and not the negative side. Based on this rule and the Judges’ determination after reviewing the positive image, a dead heat was awarded.

The NHA has requested that the Racing Operator have the mirror professionally realigned with the finish post before the upcoming race meeting on Saturday, 27 September 2025. In the event this is not completed, the Judges will continue only to use the positive image, until confirmation of the completion of the realignment and stability of the structure is guaranteed. - NHA