Buckle Up It’s About to Get Exciting as Governor's Cup Approaches
![Buckle Up It’s About to Get Exciting as Governor's Cup Approaches Buckle Up It’s About to Get Exciting as Governor's Cup Approaches](https://www.si.com/.image/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/MjAwOTU4MzI4ODg3NTgzOTQ4/rreb23-255.jpg)
The Cinch Playoff Governor’s Cup to be held in Sioux Falls, SD on Sept. 28–30, 2023 could end up being a life-changing event for the cowboys and cowgirls who were on the list when entries closed. Only 12 contestants were accepted in each event to be eligible to compete for the lucrative pot of $1,100,000.
The format indicates that this event has the potential to make or break Las Vegas dreams. All 12 competitors in each event will compete in two complete go rounds before determining the top eight who will advance to the semi-finals. The first two rounds will have total prize money of $25,000 per event.
This breaks down to the top four in each round taking home:
- $10,000
- $7,500
- $5,000
- $2,500
The final shootout round boasts a payoff of:
- $25,000
- $19,000
- $12,000
- $6,000
All of this prize money will count towards the world standings.
Breaking it Down
A quick look at the qualifiers to the Cinch Playoff Governor’s Cup in the barrel race proves the importance of the coming weekend. Amongst the field are Ashley Castleberry and Kelly Allen who sit 17th and 18th in the World Standings as of September 18. Only the top-15 will make the trip to the bright lights of Las Vegas in December where there will be nearly $11 million dollars earned. The runs these ladies put together at Sioux Falls will absolutely determine their fate the first week of December.
A clean sweep of the initial two rounds, the semifinals and the finals would result in a $45,000 payday. Castleberry is just $12,603.26 out of the 15th position currently while Allen is short $12,617.25. With only 12 horses running down the alleyway in Sioux Falls, it appears the door has been opened for these cowgirls to make their move. Don’t be fooled though, Sue Smith – who currently holds the number 12 position in the standings – is a veteran cowgirl who is used to delivering wins under pressure.
In the bareback riding, the story will be told by Jacob Lees and Mason Clements who are 18th and 19th in the World Standings. Taylor Broussard will have to hold his breath for the weekend as he is currently ranked 15th and is not on the final list for Sioux Falls.
The steer wrestling offers fans a look at a true long shot. Oakley, Utah’s Kyler Dick will back in the box with $50,407 won over 2023. The big man guarding the gate at the 15th position is Bridger Anderson who has earned $81,398. While it might be a long shot to win nearly $31,000 at an event, it is not impossible. Anderson will also be sitting on the sidelines watching the outcome of the weekend.
The team roping has several teams whose future depends on their play at Sioux Falls. There are at least three teams with one partner sitting in the top 15, while the other is looking from the outside in. Solid roping will determine whether they show up as a pair in Las Vegas. Brenten Hall and Paden Bray top that list. Hall is climbing the standings but sits 18th currently just a mere $1,417.80 out of the coveted top 15. Coy Rahlmann and Jonathan Torres will also be gunning for it due to Rahnann being ranked 17th with only $746.05 to make up.
The saddle bronc riders have put on a show all year and the numbers show it. Riding the bubble is Isaac Diaz who has already won an astounding $116,497.52 in season earnings. While Diaz is not on the list, Q Taylor and Tanner Butner both made the cut for Sioux Falls. Given that they are 16th and 17th, this must be making Diaz nervous. Taylor needs just $428.17 to move into the top 15 and Butner is right on his heels needing $4,423.49.
As is the story for many of the events, the tie down roper on the bubble did not qualify. Zack Jongbloed from Iowa, Louisiana is $890.33 ahead of Luke Potter currently, and Potter is getting the chance to back in the box. In fact, he is the only competitor in the tie down roping that is not ranked in the top 15 currently.
The bull riding is a nail biter event regardless of the circumstances, but all eyes will be on Trey Benton. This event boasts the highest amount of money needed to qualify for the WNFR with Cullen Telfer having earned $123,720.46 in the regular season so far. Benton needs to win $22,340.43 in the next nine days and Sioux Falls is the only chance at that kind of money.