Quantum Cat may not top the list of Chris Waller’s elite runners, but he certainly stands out thanks to his distinctive appearance and recent breakthrough win.

The chestnut gelding features an almost piebald-like patch on his nearside shoulder—an unusual look caused by a bout of ringworm that left a permanent mark on his coat.

“He is everyone’s favourite with his unusual markings. You can’t miss them,” said assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth.

“He got ringworm and the ringworm left a scar.

“It changed the hair follicles so they all came back white.”

Duckworth noted that while ringworm itself is common, the scarring that resulted in Quantum Cat’s striking look is not, saying he hasn’t seen another horse affected in the same way.

Despite a slow start to his Australian campaign, Quantum Cat finally claimed his first local victory in the The Living Turf Handicap (1800m) at Randwick, delivering a much-needed confidence boost for the stable.

“The last couple of races we have ‘ummed and ahhed’ whether he has been applying himself fully,” Duckworth said.

“At Hawkesbury, he was a bit unlucky getting struck across the nose, so we gave him the benefit of the doubt.”

With a perfect setup and a patient ride from Zac Lloyd, Quantum Cat ($3 fav) surged to the front and held off challengers to win by three-quarters of a length over Hollywood Hero ($12), with Kirkeby ($81) running third.

Looking ahead, the gelding is likely to be nominated for the upcoming Listed McKell Cup (2000m) at Rosehill depending on how he recovers.

After finally hitting form in The Living Turf Handicap, Quantum Cat could be one to watch in the McKell Cup. Check the best odds and early markets on the top-rated Australian betting apps.