So, the books are closed on the Playoff Series Finale during the Washington State Fair in Puyallup, Washington, September 8-11, and barrel racers have questions.

We also have questions, so we’re going to do our best to break down what we know.

Q: What about the Governor’s Cup?

The top eight ladies from the Playoff Series year-end standings and the top four from Puyallup will earn a position into The Governor’s Cup. Learn more about that here.

Q: Are the Playoff Series rodeos over, spare Puyallup?

Not even close. There’s still opportunities for barrel racers to earn Playoff Series points in the following rodeos:

• Filer, Idaho
• Ellensburg, Washington
• Abilene, Texas
• Pendleton, Oregon

Q: If a barrel racer isn’t entered at Puyallup, can they compete in Sioux Falls?

Possibly. Here’s what it says in the PRCA Ground Rules that were announced just before books opened on Monday, August 28:

“Contestants who qualify for the Cinch Playoff Series Rodeo in Puyallup, WA must compete at Puyallup in order to be eligible to be accepted as an entry at the Playoff Series Finale in Sioux Falls. Contestants who do not qualify for the Cinch Playoff Series in Puyallup will still be eligible to be accepted as an entry at the Playoff Series Finale in Sioux Falls if they satisfy the qualifications for the Finale based on the Playoff Series Standings as of September 18, 2023.”

Q: Are you going to tell us who made the cut into Puyallup?

Here you go.

Q: Is Puyallup going to shake up the 2023 world standings?

With $72,000 in added money and a $500 entry fee, the cash is there to change things, and the payout at Sioux Falls is even greater. For comparison, here’s the top 30 in the 2023 WPRA World Standings as of August 28, 2023. (bolded names are NOT entered in Puyallup.)