It is time for the final weekend of the 2024 regular season which means all eyes will be on the Governor’s Cup! The $1.1 million dollar rodeo could completely change the NFR outlook for several athletes across all events. Here is your Preview, Format, and How to Watch.
FORAMT
It is a straightforward format for the Playoffs with the Top 8 in the PRCA Playoff Standings qualifying as well as the Top 4 from the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup automatically advancing making 12 athletes in each event.
Those 12 athletes will compete in two Long Rounds with the top eight advancing to the Semifinals on Sept. 30. The slate is wiped clean and those eight will then go head to head with the Top 4 advancing to the Finals where the champion will be crowned. Winning the Governor’s Cup comes with a payday of $30,000.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Can Keenan Hayes Hold Off Rocker Steiner on the Final Weekend?
It has been a battle between two young stars at the top of the Bareback Riding World Standings. Keenan Hayes ($204,472) and Rocker Steiner ($201,193) are the two at the top. Both will be competing at the Governor’s Cup and whoever has the better weekend will likely enter the NFR in the No. 1 spot.
In the opening round, Hayes drew Bunk House Mouse, a horse that Shane O’Connell was 85 points on in Rapid City earlier this year. Steiner has a matchup with Cinch On Fire who Tanner Aus rode for 85.5 points in Deadwood this year.
Dalton Massey Looks to End Regular Season No. 1 for Second Straight Year
Dalton Massey ($173,012) set the regular season earnings record a year ago at $193,430 and depending on his weekend in South Dakota, he could break that record. Massey holds a $17,000 lead over Dakota Eldridge ($156,165) in the World Standings. Both are competing this weekend as Massey looks to cap his regular season off and keep the No. 1 spot.
Damian Brennan Within Striking Distance of Regular Season Earnings Record
Saddle Bronc Rider Damian Brennan ($238,269) is less than $20,000 away from the Saddle Bronc Earnings record set by Sage Newman ($253,190) in 2022. If Brennan were to win the Governor’s Cup, he would set a new mark and lock in his No. 1 spot heading into the NFR. Brennan is matched up with Harry Rocks, a bronc that has an average score of 39.95 and has been ridden for over 80 points twice this year.
Who Will End the Season No. 1 in Bull Riding?
TJ Gray ($230,510) is the current No. 1 in Bull Riding and is the third athlete over the last three weeks to hold that title. Gray has an $18,000 lead over Jace Trosclair ($212,965). Gray is heading to his first NFR and will likely be doing so in the No. 1 spot. Also of note, Josh Frost ($211,063) will not be competing at the Governor’s Cup as he continues to heal up in preparation for the NFR.
HOW TO WATCH AND BROADCAST SCHEDULE
You can watch every performance LIVE on The Cowboy Channel and The Cowboy Channel+ App. For a full broadcast schedule click HERE.
| PERFORMANCE | DATE | TIME (ET) |
| Performance 1 | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 8:30 PM |
| Performance 2 | Friday, Sept. 27 | 8:30 PM |
| Semifinals and Finals | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 8:30 PM |
