Rodeo Daily

Bull Rider Makes Final Push to National Finals Rodeo

Veteran Trey Benton III gears up for the Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup in an effort to qualify for his eighth National Finals Rodeo.
Kaleb Kistner|
Bull Rider Makes Final Push to National Finals Rodeo
Bull Rider Makes Final Push to National Finals Rodeo

Trey Benton III is a seasoned bull riding veteran, having filled his pro card in 2011. Benton has made seven trips to the National Finals Rodeo (2012-14, 2017-19, 2021) and wants more than anything to make his eighth trip this year. 

Coming off a hot win at the Amarillo Tri-State Fair and Rodeo this weekend, Benton rode Stace Smith Pro Rodeo's "Lets Gamble" for 87.5 points and added $2,406 to his season winnings.

Though the Omaha River City Rodeo in Omaha, Nebraska, treated him better with a second place finish on Cervi Championship Rodeo's "Flight Risk" for 85.5 points, where Benton earned $2,843. 

After his two wins this past weekend, Benton's season earnings increased to $107,478. Putting him into the No. 17 spot in the standings. Being so close to the top-15, Benton must capitalize on his performances at the Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup in order to qualify for the NFR.

Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup Bull Riders

  • Stetson Wright
  • Ky Hamilton
  • Josh Frost
  • Tristan Hutchings
  • Trey Holston
  • T Parker
  • Trey Kimzey
  • Hayes Weight
  • Cody Teel 
  • Jeff Askey
  • Trey Benton III
  • Clayton Sellars

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

Benton and No. 26 Clayton Sellars are the only two entered in the Governor's Cup that are not safe inside that top-15. Sellars with seasons earnings of $71,961 and three trips to the NFR will not be shaking up the standings, but could get in the way of Benton qualifying. 

World Bull Riding Standings

  1. Stetson Wright, $328,629
  2. Ky Hamilton, $240,664
  3. Josh Frost, $229,478
  4. Tristen Hutchings, $178,636
  5. Trey Holston, $178,544
  6. Creek Young, $156,286
  7. T Parker, $148,315
  8. Trey Kimzey, $145,659
  9. Hayes Weight, $144,639
  10. Sage Kimzey, $142,738
  11. Jordan Hansen, $141,804
  12. Jared Parsonage, $137,000
  13. Cody Teel, $135,671
  14. Jeff Askey, $134,918
  15. Cullen Telfer, $127,244
  16. Jestyn Woodward, $117,415
  17. Trey Benton III, $107,478

The Cinch Playoff's are the last opportunity for rodeo athletes to make a final push to the National Finals Rodeo, that is if they secured an invitation. Benton was lucky enough to do so, with it being crucial to his chance at his eighth NFR qualification. The Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup kicks off Thursday Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. CST

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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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