LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cody Dorman, the teenager who watched his namesake horse Cody's Wish win at the Breeders' Cup, has died. He was 17.
Dorman died Sunday after suffering a "medical event" on the family's way home to Kentucky after attending the world championships at Santa Anita last week, according to a statement from his parents posted Monday on Godolphin Racing's social media account.
🇺🇸👼🏼 “Over these past five years, the Godolphin family has been very fortunate to have met and become friends with the Dorman family: Cody, his parents Kelly and Leslie, and his sister Kylie. This heartfelt story has touched the hearts of many in and outside of the Thoroughbred… pic.twitter.com/SCU3QevIPI
— Godolphin (@godolphin) November 6, 2023
Dorman was born with the rare genetic disorder Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, and the effects include delayed growth and development, intellectual disability, low muscle tone and seizures. He used a wheelchair.
"With Cody's diagnosis at birth, we always knew this day would come, but we were determined to help Cody live his best life for however long we had him," the boy's parents, Kelly and Leslie Dorman, wrote.
Dorman first met the horse during a Make-A-Wish visit to Godolphin's Gainsborough Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, when Cody's Wish was a 5-month-old weanling in 2018. The animal walked over to Dorman's wheelchair and put his head in the boy's lap, creating such a connection that Godolphin decided a year later to name the horse after Dorman.
"I think that horse probably saved Cody’s life in a lot of ways," Kelly Dorman said Saturday. "I know him and the horse have made a lot of lives better."
Cody's Wish won his final race Saturday in the $1 million Dirt Mile, rallying from last and surviving a stewards' inquiry to defend his title over Preakness winner National Treasure.
Cody Dorman was waiting in the winner's circle, as if he already knew what the outcome would be.
The victory ensured a storybook ending for Cody’s Wish in his final race before retirement. He won 11 of 16 career starts, including eight in stakes races, and over $3.1 million in earnings for owner Godolphin.
"This heartfelt story has touched the hearts of many in and outside of the Thoroughbred industry," Dan Pride, chief operating officer of Godolphin, said in a statement. "And while Cody's passing has saddened us, we find comfort in knowing that Cody found many joyous moments during this journey with his best friend, Cody's Wish. Our hearts are with the Dorman family."
Tributes to Cody have been posted by race tracks, breeders and even thoroughbred reporters.
The Breeders' Cup World Championships posted a statement in memory of Cody. "The entire Breeders' Cup team is devastated by the news of Cody Dorman's passing yesterday. His story captured our hearts and minds, and his strength, spirit, and determination were fittingly embodied by his namesake’s commanding performances in his honor. We send our sincere condolences to the Dormans, who gave our sport so much by welcoming us into their family."
Churchill Downs posted a picture and said, Cody's presence touched and inspired us all. Our deepest sympathies are with the Dorman family along with our gratitude for the opportunity to witness the strength, resilience, and the enduring spirit they've shared with the horse racing community and beyond. May Cody's memory be a beacon of hope and inspiration for us all. A hero who will remain in our hearts. ❤️"
The Secretariat.com team also posted a tribute to Cody. "We are devastated to have learned of the sudden passing on Sunday of 17-year-old Cody Dorman. Cody inspired us all with his courage, will, and unbreakable bond with his namesake, Cody’s Wish, and in fact he was at Santa Anita Park on Saturday to witness his beloved equine friend prevail in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. Cody lived each day to the fullest, fighting valiantly against a rare disease called Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. Our hearts break for Cody's parents, Kelly and Leslie, his sister Kylie, and everyone who has loved and cheered for this amazing young man. Cody, you will never be forgotten.
Dorman and his family were on hand to receive the Mr. Fitz Award from the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters at the group's annual dinner last week. The award is for a person who typifies the spirit of racing.
Besides his parents, Dorman is survived by his sister Kylie.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana. Click here for information.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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