Undulation Ends On a High Note

One of Ireland’s most beloved and accomplished racing greyhounds, Undulation, has officially retired after sustaining an injury during the quarter-finals of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby. The injury, known as a monkey muscle strain, occurred during a race at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night of November 9. Owner Damien Matthews confirmed that while the injury wasn’t career-ending, the decision to retire Undulation was made out of respect for her contributions to the sport. With plans to transition her to breeding, her career on the track has concluded on a high note, leaving fans and trainers reflecting on her outstanding achievements.

An Early Glimpse of Greatness

From the very beginning of her career in September 2022, Undulation demonstrated she was no ordinary racer. Her debut was marked by an impressive run to the final of the Open Unraced stake at Shelbourne Park, where she showed flashes of the talent that would soon define her career. Despite narrowly missing out on the title in that competition, she quickly proved her mettle by claiming victory in the inaugural Paddy Merriman Memorial competition shortly afterwards. Winning this prestigious €10,000 event in just her eighth start with a time of 28.24, she announced herself as a future star of the sport. It was also her last race outside AA0 company, a testament to her ability to consistently compete against the elite.

What made Undulation unique was her exclusivity to three tracks throughout her career—Shelbourne Park, Limerick, and Towcester—each of which witnessed her brilliance. Following her breakout success in Ireland, she travelled to Towcester for the British Puppy Derby, where her early performances cemented her status as a favourite. Unfortunately, the competition was cancelled due to inclement weather, cutting her promising run short.

The following year, Undulation returned to Towcester to participate in the prestigious English Derby. Displaying her remarkable adaptability, she won her opening-round race and secured a strong finish behind Romeo Magico in the subsequent stage. However, an unlucky exit in the third round ended her campaign prematurely. By this time, she had already established herself as a major star in the greyhound racing circuit.

Dominating at Home

Back on Irish soil after nine months away, Undulation delivered several extraordinary performances, showcasing her versatility and stamina over varying distances. One of her standout runs came in mid-September 2023, where she completed a stunning 30.79 over the 575-yard trip at Shelbourne Park. This race demonstrated her ability to adapt to longer distances with ease. However, it would be her final race of that year, as she took a break to prepare for the following season.

2024: A Year of Triumph and Transition

The 2024 season began with Undulation competing in the Easter Cup at Shelbourne Park. She returned in breathtaking form, claiming victories in the opening and second rounds before advancing to her first classic final. Facing tough competition, she finished as the runner-up to Clona Duke in the semi-finals but encountered bad luck in the final, where she was unable to secure a podium finish despite entering as the second favourite.

Her next major target was the English Derby. In preparation, she delivered a flying trial at Towcester, solidifying her place as one of the top contenders. However, timing proved unfavourable as she came into the season just before the opening round, sidelining her for the event. Her next appearance came months later, in a Dual Distance competition at Shelbourne Park. After an unforgettable semi-final recovery—where she stumbled at the start but rallied to qualify—she triumphed in the final with a powerful 29.47 performance, defeating a competitive field in style.

The Final Chapter

Undulation entered the 2024 Derby in remarkable form, delivering two eye-catching performances in the initial rounds before stealing the show with a lightning-fast 29.16 in the third round. Her progression to the quarter-finals for the second consecutive year seemed to signal another deep run in the competition. Unfortunately, her racing career came to an unexpected halt when she suffered a monkey muscle injury. While the injury wasn’t catastrophic, it marked the end of her time on the track.

Speaking about her retirement, Damien Matthews reflected on the bittersweet nature of the decision. While acknowledging their recent streak of bad luck, he emphasised that Undulation had already given everything she could. 

“She was in incredible form and looked in a great position to qualify,” he noted, adding that her sudden wide turn during the race signalled something was wrong. Although the injury could have been treated, Matthews confirmed, “She owes us nothing. It’s time for her to move on to the next chapter as a brood bitch.”

A Stellar Career

Undulation’s two-year racing career spanned 33 starts, with numerous victories and breathtaking performances that captured the hearts of greyhound racing fans. Her consistency and versatility allowed her to thrive across different distances and conditions, making her one of the most respected racers of her era. For a competitor with relatively few miles, she made an outsized impact, often outperforming her rivals with raw speed and determination. Her resilience, even in the face of setbacks, made her a joy to watch and a source of pride for her trainer Brendan Matthews.

A Bright Future in Breeding

Undulation’s retirement opens a new chapter in her life as a brood bitch. Her impeccable pedigree as a daughter of Pestana and the brilliant Unlock Unlock positions her offspring for greatness. Combined with her own talent, determination, and winning attitude, her pups are expected to be in high demand among breeders and enthusiasts alike. Racing fans can eagerly anticipate seeing her progeny on the track as early as 2026, potentially continuing the legacy of their extraordinary dam.

A Legacy That Endures

Undulation’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and unrelenting spirit. From her early successes to her final races, she proved herself as one of the finest competitors in modern greyhound racing. While her time on the track has come to an end, her legacy lives on—both through her remarkable career and the promise of her future as a brood bitch. She may have retired, but her name will remain etched in the annals of greyhound racing history as a true legend.