Sweeping Paddy defeats Proctor's Ledge in Regret Stakes

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Sweeping Paddy crossed the finish wire ahead of Proctor’s Ledge a month and a half ago when the two finished third and fourth, respectively, in the Grade 3 Edgewood on Kentucky Oaks Day. On Saturday night at Churchill Downs, Sweeping Paddy again got the better of Proctor’s Ledge, winning the Grade 3, $100,000 Regret by 3 1/2 lengths over her.

In contrast to the Edgewood, when Sweeping Paddy pushed the pace, she was more reserved early in the Regret, rating in third early under Luis Saez, 7 1/2 lengths off the pace of run-off leader Like a Hurricane, who set fast splits of 47.04 and 1:11.62 in the 1 1/8-mile turf contest for 3-year-old fillies.

Patient handling seemed to pay off for Sweeping Paddy, who finished with more energy in the Regret, collaring the leader in early stretch and never showing any hint of getting tired in the stretch.

Summer Luck, who chased the pace in second early, finished third, a length behind Proctor’s Ledge.

The Regret marked the first stakes victory for Sweeping Paddy and for breeders and owners William Pacella, Frank Jones Jr., and Frank Shoop. She raced 1 1/8 miles on firm turf in 1:47.62, paying $9.20 as the second favorite behind Proctor’s Ledge.

She is trained by Dale Romans, who also trained her sire, Grade 1 winner Paddy O’Prado, as well as her dam, C. S. Royce.