LAUREL, MD. 10-08-12---Race seven at Laurel Park literally went down to the wire Monday afternoon as four horses arrived at the finish line together, resulting in a rather unique climax, a dead heat for first and a dead heat for third.

The one mile test on the firm turf for was for optional claiming runners. A final charge to the finish line included 21-1 shot Rockaby Bay and Masterel, who finished on even terms for the win and bang-bang finish by Elkhorn Creek and Colonel Bill, who tied for third, just a neck behind the winners.

“I’ve never seen that in all my years,” said track announcer Dave Rodman, who has called races since 1981. “There have been dead heats for the win and off the board runners, but never one for win and show in the same race.”

Luis Garcia and Rockaby Bay returned to the winners’ circle to be photographed with trainer Hamilton Smith. Jockey Chris DeCarlo and Masterel represented Graham Motion when it was their turn to pose for the photo.

The payoffs were as follows:

Rockaby Bay paid $18.20, $11.40 and $4.20 across the board. Masterel returned $4.60, $4.60 and $3.60. The Rockaby Bay-Masterel exacta paid $116.60. The reverse paid $60.60.

About Laurel Park

Laurel Park is a Stronach Group company, North America’s leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator. The Stronach Group racetracks include Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park & Casino, Golden Gate Fields, Portland Meadows, Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, home of the world-famous Preakness. The company owns and operates the Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida and is one of North America's top race horse breeders through its award-winning Adena Springs operation. The Stronach Group is one of the world's largest suppliers of pari-mutuel wagering systems, technologies and services. Its companies include AmTote, a global leader in wagering technology; Xpressbet, an Internet and telephone account wagering service; and Monarch Content Management, which acts as a simulcast purchase and sales agent of horseracing content for numerous North American racetracks and wagering outlets. The Stronach Group is also a major producer of televised horse racing programming through its HRTV cable and satellite network and is North America's premier supplier of virtual online horse racing games, as well as a leading producer of social media content for the horseracing industry.