2023 Arabian Horse Times Western Brochure Cover Story
They say lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice. But, sisters Leslie Doran
Sommer and Carrie Doran Fritz feel like they are living a story that busts that myth.
Their now four-year-old colt Milliondollarbaby SF’s (Monaco Jullyen V x Im Bringin Sexy
Back) introduction to the show arena last year presented the possibility he will follow his
legendary father, Monaco Jullyen V’s, footsteps (or hoof prints) in more ways than one.
“I still feel Monaco’s absence at every horse show,” Sommer said about the stallion who
passed in November 2021. “But I find moments of joy to get me through. U.S. Nationals
2022 was full of those joyful moments.”
In 2022, Milliondollarbaby SF (“Money”) was named National Champion in the PB
Western Pleasure Futurity with Shamrock Farms’ trainer Joe Reser. Money is Monaco
Jullyen V’s (“Monaco”) first foal. So, having him go national champion during his first
national performance was beyond their wildest dreams.
“We were just happy to have a Monaco baby in the ring,” Fritz remembered about the
day she hugged someone so hard she broke a rib. “I don’t think I have ever cheered
that loud. Money has huge shoes to fill. We want him to be great, but we also want to
have realistic expectations.”
That victory also meant something extra special for Reser. October 2017 was the first
time he found himself in the winner’s circle of the PB Western Pleasure Open, aboard
Monaco. October 2022 was the first time he found himself in the winner’s circle of the
PB Western Pleasure Futurity, aboard Money.
Bringing Reser to a “first” national championship is not the only thing this father and son
have in common. According to Fritz and Sommer, Money has the same work ethic,
goofy personality, and attitude as his father.
“The people around Monaco could see his beauty,” Fritz mentioned as she looked off
her back porch at Monaco babies playing in a pasture. “But, those of us close to him got
to experience his wonderful attitude. Money is just like him in so many ways.”
When asked about their priorities in breeding western horses, the two agreed the
aforementioned attitude is most important. They have looked for that, along with other
specific physical qualities in the mares they purchase to carry on Monaco’s pedigree.
Milliondollarbaby SF is not the only mark that Shamrock Farms continues to make on
the western division. At last year’s U.S. Nationals, they were the listed breeders of three
national champions, and owners of two.
They will not be selling any of the remaining Monaco Jullyen V straws, but the duo
breeds to a variety of other stallions. They are dedicated to producing quality Arabian
and Half-Arabian show horses. “With Monaco, we are just trying to make Sheila Varian
proud” Sommer shared in reference Monaco’s breeder. “We have a lot of gratitude to
both her and to Monaco. We want Monaco’s legacy to continue, while still having it feel
special and rare.”
When talking about Money, Fritz and Sommer are simultaneously nostalgic and excited
for the future. Monaco will always be part of the conversation, which means there will
always be some sadness. But, Sommer’s demeanor shifted when she quietly realized
they can have “Monaco forever” through Money and his other babies.
Shamrock Farms will celebrate their fifth US Nationals as their own freestanding training
facility this coming fall. And though a lot has changed in those five years, loving their
horses as they do their own family remains a constant.
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