When the founder of San Francisco's British Motor Car Distributors, Ltd., Kjell Qvale, heard that Silky Sullivan was for sale, he made an immediate offer. In 1963, the horse became the property of Kjell, who cared for him for 14 years. Kjell (pronounced "Shell") would lead him to the winner's circle, his mane braided with green and white pom-poms; every time, ears pricked and head held high, Silky Sullivan would turn his rump on his audience and kick out both hind legs. Speaking of that Kentucky Derby, Qvale said, "I understand he had some temperature a few days before the Derby. I don't know if that's true. He may have gone too fast too early."