Punters shouldn't have too much trouble spotting Modern Society in the paddock at Kempton Park on Saturday as he's one of only two 'painted' racehorses in Britain.
The two-year-old thoroughbred is a skewbald, meaning his body is made up of white and brown patches.
This type of pattern is extremely rare in racehorses, although much more common in non-thoroughbreds. However, the father of Modern Society, I Was Framed, who is an American stallion, is also 'painted' and has passed this very rare trait on to some of his progeny.
As these markings are so rare, the International Stud Book Committee had to agree on a suitable way to describe horses patterned in this way, choosing 'painted' as the most suitable moniker.
The other 15,000 racehorses currently in training in Britain fall under one of the following colour descriptions - Black, Bay, Chestnut, Brown, Grey, Roan and White.
The sport's administrators Weatherbys said there are just two 'painted' or skewbald racehorses currently in training - the other is Join The Dots.
Modern Society was purchased for 11,000 Guineas last autumn by his owner, Andrew Reid, who also trains him from his racing stables in Mill Hill, North London. Andrew, who has trained over 200 winners, is hoping that Modern Society will add to his training yard's tally in 2012.
He said: "He's almost a freak of nature - thoroughbreds don't usually come in that colour, let alone go racing. We can't wait to get him started."
Modern Society might not win his first ever race - the 1.35pm at Kempton Park on Saturday - but he's certain to guarantee a photo-finish.
The feature races on Saturday are the London Mile Handicap and the Snowdrop Fillies' Stakes.
