Jess Pope entered the Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup outside the Top 10 in the World. He fought his way to the Final Four where he drew the right horse and made an impressive ride to get the win. Pope walked away with his first Governor’s Cup and in doing so, secured his chance at a second Gold Buckle in December as he is now ranked No. 6 in the World.
“It’s amazing. I didn’t have any luck at this rodeo last year, I got to come back, first night was a little rough so I was discouraged. I was fighting my head coming in yesterday and it’s amazing what God’s plan is and sometimes I’ve just got to trust it, it’s a little bit tough,” Pope said.
An 88.5 in the Final Four on Brookman Rodeo’s Lunatic Heaven was half a point better than Rocker Steiner while Waylon Bourgeois and Cole Reiner made sure there was no lack of competition.
“It was a great bareback riding, great guys, great horses. I’m very thankful to be able to get the win, that’s for dang sure,” he said.
Steiner was second while Waylon Brougeois’ season came to a close with a third-place finish while Cole Reiner took hom fourth from Sioux Falls.