In 2023, Keenan Hayes set a regular season earnings record and went on to win the Gold Buckle his rookie year. This year things have been a bit tighter at the top with Rocker Steiner on his heels all summer, but the reigning World Champion got a little breathing room Thursday night.
In Round 1 of the Governor’s Cup, Hayes was 88 points aboard Burch Rodeo Company’s Bunkhouse Mouse to win by 2.5 points and collect $11,000 while fighting a groin injury.
“It paid off a lot, just kind of gritting down and fighting through the pain and everything,” he said. “It means the world to finish strong, going into the Finals strong, it helps a bunch.”
A pair of cowboys on the bubble, No. 13 Bradlee Miller and No. 14 Jacob Lees made a crucial $6,875 apiece for second place on Thursday.
The Top 8 cowboys on two advance to Saturday’s Finals and the same field of 12 will be back for Round 2 on Friday at 8:30 PM ET on The Cowboy Channel and Cowboy Channel+.