The inaugural Cinch RSNC Northeast Circuit Finals brought sorters from across the country to Garwood Arena, Aug. 15-17, where more than $13,000 was awarded to the Gold Shootout champions. With $20,000 more than $20,000 in added cash and prizes on the line, ranch sorters battled it out for paychecks, buckles, and the coveted Northeast Circuit Finals Champion titles.
Olivia Parks and Aubree Coker Were All-In in the Cinch #13 Gold Shootout
Three Springs, Pennsylvania’s Olivia Parks and Aubree Coker of Palm City, Florida, claimed the Cinch #13 Gold Shootout championship after sorting 28 head in 139.99 seconds, earning $5,060.
The duo had already proven their partnership earlier this year at the Houston Super Sort, where they finished second in the Professional’s Choice #9 Gold Shootout. In Ohio, they executed their plan to perfection.
“I just wanted to be smart and sort as many as I could without taking too many chances,” Parks, who rode the Mamas Cup Of Sugar (Kit Kat Sugar x Buckaroo Boon), said.
That strategy paid off big. Parks also cashed in on second- and third-place finishes while riding Duallin Cats (Mississippi Cat x Got The Dually N Her) with partners Nelson Mas and Kai Clark, leaving only seconds separating the top teams.
Coker was back on her standout gelding Cheques (Im Countin Checks x SR My Quixote Lady), fondly known as “Stifler” and adds this win to their already impressive resume of Gold Shootout championships, including a title at the Northeast Regional Super Sort earlier this season.
“Olivia and I ride super well together, and she’s one of my favorite partners in the sorting pens,” Coker said. “I was so grateful for the opportunity to compete up there. To win another Shootout class was so exciting and made the weekend worth the travel.”
Gold Shootout wins at the Northeast Regional Super Sort in April
Gavin Defabrites and Harper Grace Pierce Shine in the Professional’s Choice #9 Gold Shootout
Gavin Defabrites of Atco, New Jersey, and Harper Grace Pierce of Williamson, Georgia, were paired together in the Professional’s Choice #9 Gold Shootout through a draw, a match that proved profitable as they sorted 24 head in 170.79 seconds in the Professional’s Choice #9 Gold Shootout, earning themselves championship buckles and a payout of $8,348.
Heading into the final round, the cattle didn’t let up, making everyone work hard to get a time on the board. As the third pair out, this young team didn’t let the challenge slow them down.
“I always say, ‘Let’s just do what we can do,’” Defabrites said. “That’s what we do best—just try to get a time and have fun.”
Defabrites put his trust into the 2017 mare Im Into It (Sannman x Smooth As I Can) and emerged victorious. For him, this win was a breakthrough success and an indicator of exciting things to come.
“I’ve been knocking at the door the past few shows,” he said. “It feels good to finally be here.”
Pierce rode the seasoned 2013 gelding Smooth Spyder Rey (Smooth As A Cat x Margaret Rey), to the top. She is no stranger to the winner’s circle, having previously topped the Cinch #13 Gold Shootout at the April Northeast Regional Super Sort.
Get in on the Cinch RSNC Gold Shootouts
Cinch RSNC introduced the Gold Shootout program to their members in the 2024-2025 season as a high-reward option for their most competitive members. To enter, members must possess a Platinum or Gold Cinch RSNC membership. And though the program’s entry fees are higher than they are for a traditional class, the payouts are exponential.
Additionally, Platinum or Gold members who qualified last season were able to compete for $75,000 in added money at the 2025 World Finals.
For more membership information, read: Cinch RSNC 2025-2026 Memberships on Sale Now