Sometimes, the best partnerships are the ones you never see coming. For Alejandro Serpone of Coral Springs, Florida, and Kori Haile of Burnet, Texas, a random draw turned into a golden opportunity that ended with a massive $29,960 paycheck and a Cinch #13 Gold Shootout World Championship title.
The two riders had never met before entering the pen, but after sorting 36 head in just 216.83 seconds, they exited the arena as World Champions and earned the second-largest payout of the week.
“It’s crazy,” Serpone said. “I just want to thank God and my kids for letting me be here for the week. I have no words.”
Even without the chemistry developed among longtime partners, from the very first round—where they sorted a clean 10 head—Serpone and Haile looked like a seasoned duo. Their momentum never slowed.
Heading into the Championship Round, Haile kept the strategy simple: “Nice, easy and smooth. Just one at a time.”
That calm approach paid off in a high-pressure moment, and Haile was quick to credit her partner.
“I’m so thankful,” she said. “He’s a great partner. I’m really thankful for this one.”
Serpone was quick to return the compliment.
I saw her ride during the week,” Serpone said of Haile. “I thought she was very smooth. I’m glad we got paired up.”
In fact, Serpone almost didn’t make the trip. He had planned to skip the World Finals entirely, but with encouragement from friends and family, he made the decision to go at the last minute. It’s safe to say, it was the right call.
The stars aligned for this unlikely pair, and from the random draw to the perfect runs, they made the most of every second in the pen.
Serpone rode Ramón Novoa’s trusted mount, Hessmoothandstylish (Smooth As A Cat x Stylish Roseanna), while Haile was aboard Bet Shes A Keeper (Bet Hesa Cat x Time For Keeps), affectionately known as “Josey Wales,” the 2017 roan mare on which she captured the 2023 #13 Mixed Handicap World Championship title.
“We call her the golden child since her mane tips are golden, but she knows she is too,” Haile said fondly about the mare. “She is very special; she is my everything.”
Whether it was fate, faith or just good horsemanship, Serpone and Haile proved that sometimes, all it takes is one chance—and the right teammate—to strike gold.
This article appears in the Summer 2025 issue of The Ranch Sorter, featuring World Champion stories, event recaps, regional results, and more.
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