Long before Secretariat and Riva Ridge carried the colors of Meadow Stable to Triple Crown glory, those blue and white checkered silks of the Chenery family were made famous by one of the best horses of an earlier generation.

The year was 2006 and Ron Anderson, agent to the stars, was trying to determine his next move following the retirement of Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey.

Although he had been contacted by a number of prominent riders seeking his services, nothing felt quite right. Then Julio Canani, a trainer based on the West Coast, called.

“J.C., what’s up?” Anderson said.

“Somebody here needs to talk to you,” Canani replied.