Historic Triple Dead-Heat at San Isidro Racetrack

In the thirteenth race, Capricho Urgente, Moreno del Alba, and Raijin could not be separated, producing a finish-line photo with no precedent in recent memory

An absolute landmark moment unfolded during Wednesday's thirteenth race on the dirt track at the San Isidro Racetrack. In the Premio En Motoneta (1200 m, dirt), open to 5- and 6-year-old maiden horses, Capricho Urgente (Daddy Long Legs, ridden by William Pereyra), Moreno del Alba (Don Alba, ridden by Martín Valle), and Raijin (Hat Ninja, ridden by Rodrigo Bascuñán) crossed the line together, recording the first triple dead-heat in our country since 1971.

Dead-heats are common occurrences on racetracks around the world, but having three horses hit the finish line on the exact same plane becomes a rare curiosity in sports. Occasions when this phenomenon occurs can truly be counted on the fingers of one hand.

Raijin had taken command rounding the turn and attempted to draw away to victory. It appeared he would succeed, but Moreno del Alba surged along the rail while Capricho Urgente launched his bid on the outside, collaring the leader right on the line.

The green objection flag was raised to the top of the mast and, following a lengthy deliberation and exhaustive review of the photo-finish camera from every angle, the placing judges confirmed the triple dead-heat.

Naturally, the payouts for all three dropped significantly compared to their initial odds (sparking complaints on social media, as is always the case when dead-heats occur), sealing a moment that many racing fans had never witnessed in their lives.

According to historians, a similar situation had not occurred at San Isidro Racetrack since February 20, 1971, when Anabil, Nirvana, and Precaución shared the spotlight on the local turf.

It is worth clarifying that, for purse distribution purposes, the rewards designated for the first three placings are pooled together and then divided equally among the winners. Paradoxically, from an economic standpoint, sharing the win leaves everyone with a smaller piece of the pie.

An unforgettable photo left behind by Capricho Urgente, Moreno del Alba, and Raijin; who knows when we will ever see it happen again...