Rodeo Daily

Bareback Rider Flirts With Top-15 Ahead of Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup

Bareback rider Jacob Lees looks to jump into the top-15 of the world standings ahead of the Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup
Kaleb Kistner|
Bareback Rider Flirts With Top-15 Ahead of Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup
Bareback Rider Flirts With Top-15 Ahead of Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup

The Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is the last opportunity for rodeo athletes outside of the top-15 standings or the "bubble" to make a final push.

With over $1,000,000 on the line over the weekend, there is room for movement in the standings. A notable athlete sitting on the bubble is bareback rider Jacob Lees. 

Lees is currently sitting in the No. 17 spot with $99,002 in season earnings and has managed to secure an invitation to the Governor's Cup. After a big win this past weekend in San Bernardino, California, Lees earned $5,147 and surged into the No. 17 spot ahead of Sam Peterson ($97,447) and Mason Clements ($94,176). Clements also secured an invitation to the Governor's Cup. Lees and Clements are the only riders in the Governor's Cup outside of the top-15. 

Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup Bareback Riders

  • Keenan Hayes
  • Kade Sonnier
  • Clayton Biglow
  • Tim O'Connell
  • Orin Larsen
  • Jayco Roper
  • Cole Reiner
  • Jess Pope
  • Dean Thompson
  • Richmond Champion
  • Jacob Lees
  • Mason Clements 

Payout for Rounds 1 & 2

  1. $10,000
  2. $7,500
  3. $5,000
  4. $2,500

Final Round Payout

  1. $25,000
  2. $19,000
  3. $12,000
  4. $6,000

World Bareback Standings

  1. Keenan Hayes, $246,895
  2. Kade Sonnier, $157,969
  3. Leighton Berry, $157,955
  4. Clayton Biglow, $151,432
  5. Tim O'Connell, $146,770
  6. Rocker Steiner, $143,123
  7. Orin Larsen, $137,486
  8. Jayco Roper, $127,967
  9. Cole Reiner, $127,865
  10. Jess Pope, $126,047
  11. Kaycee Field, $119,887
  12. Tanner Aus, $115,455
  13. Dean Thompson, $114,451
  14. Richmond Champion, $111,687
  15. Cole Franks, $106,047
  16. Taylor Broussard, $101,795
  17. Jacob Lees, $99,002
  18. Sam Peterson, $97,447
  19. Mason Clements, $94,176

If Lees can secure a round win and place in the final round, he should have no issue climbing into the top-15 of the standings. This would be Lees's first trip to Las Vegas to sit in the coveted yellow bucking chutes at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The NFR kicks off at the Thomas and Mack Arena on Dec. 7, 2023. 

Published
Kaleb Kistner
KALEB KISTNER

Kaleb Kistner is from New Braunfels, a small community nestled in the Texas Hill Country. There’s only one “s” in Braunfels! Growing up in Comal County, it was an annual tradition to attend the Comal County Fair and Rodeo. Down the road was the San Antonio Stockshow and Rodeo, that his grandparents would religiously take him to each year. Along with the annual rodeos, Kaleb was an active member in FFA throughout high school. Showing rabbits and pigs, assisting with steers and goats, and participating in leadership development events, Kaleb received a well-rounded, basic education in agriculture. On top of that, Kaleb earned his Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America. Kaleb has a strong work ethic and love for agriculture and the great outdoors. He hopes to be able to spread his knowledge and bring a better understanding of the Western way of life to those who may not understand. Kaleb has pursued a career in plumbing, continuing to achieve each possible license as quickly as he can. Kaleb has a beautiful fiancée Makayla and his sweet daughter Kinleigh. During his down time, he and his family enjoy going to their parents’ ranches to spend time with the family. 

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