Shortly after Tomy Lee won the 1959 Kentucky Derby, Kerr relayed to Michael O'Hehir the story behind the purchase.
After viewing Turner's first choice for Tuleg's travelling companion, Kerr was less than impressed and cabled him, advising him not to buy this particular foal.
[3][4] Tomy Lee's dam Auld Alliance was a daughter of Iona, a half-sister of Epsom Derby winner Ocean Swell.
[6] Still at Keeneland sand ridden by Shoemaker, Tomy Lee then won the important mile and one-eighth Blue Grass Stakes.
Sword Dancer took over the lead by half a length, but Tomy Lee came on again in mid stretch, behind by only a head.
His trainer, Frank Childs, said he didn't like races too close together, so Tomy Lee returned to California to rest.
Later that year, he finished sixth in the Cinema Handicap at Hollywood Park Racetrack, a race won by Silver Spoon.
Shoemaker could not ride Tomy Lee in this race since he was committed to Sword Dancer in the Belmont Stakes (which they won), so Don Pierce got the mount.
Turner felt that Pierce mishandled his colt, who needed "special care" and understanding, something only Shoemaker could give him.