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| Sumita Pawar |
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According to the Dorman family, Cody Dorman, the 17YO from Kentucky who became the center of a highly emotional story during this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships, tragically passed away on November 5. He was on his way home after witnessing his namesake, Cody's Wish, secure a second consecutive victory in the Breeders' Cup Gr.1 Dirt Mile.
"We are heartbroken to share the news that our beloved Cody suffered a medical event on our trip home to Kentucky yesterday and he has passed away," read a statement from the family. "On Saturday, Cody watched his best friend, Cody's Wish, display his usual perseverance and toughness in winning a second Breeders' Cup. Those are the same characteristics Cody has showed time and again for the 18 years we were blessed to have him. We have been completely amazed to experience the impact Cody has had on so many people, through the journey that this wondrous racehorse has taken us all on. From Churchill Downs, to Keeneland, to Saratoga to Santa Anita this weekend, we could not move 20 feet without someone stopping to tell us just that."
Dorman, who was due to celebrate his 18th birthday in December, lived with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that impacts various parts of the body. As a result, he faced regular seizures and relied on a tablet for communication since he was unable to walk or speak. Dorman's father, Kelly, estimated that his son had endured approximately 40-50 surgeries, including a significant open-heart operation.
"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. Anyone who has seen him at the racetrack, especially around Cody's Wish, understands that in many ways he taught us all how to live, always keeping a positive attitude and being more concerned about those around him than himself," said the family.
During a family visit arranged by Keeneland in partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in October 2018, Dorman and Cody's Wish had the opportunity to tour Godolphin's Gainsborough Farm. While exploring the farm, farm manager Danny Mulvihill was excited to introduce Dorman to a foal, but he was concerned that the animal might be frightened by the young man's wheelchair. After careful consideration, Mulvihill decided to introduce Dorman to a Godolphin homebred and an unnamed son of Curlin.
"He was a nice, quiet, laid-back foal," Mulvihill recalled with Tom Pedulla for America's Best Racing. "It was very important from my point of view to see if we could get a foal close to Cody, knowing he was in a wheelchair."
Once the young colt curiously explored the boy and his wheelchair, he gently rested his head on Dorman's lap, solidifying the connection between them. In tribute to Dorman, Godolphin decided to name the colt Cody's Wish.
Said Mulvihill, "This is a foal who almost by intuition knew what we wanted him to do."
"As people of faith, we are comforted in the knowledge that Cody has gone home. We pray that he watch over all of us, especially Kylie the best little sister in the world," the family said in its statement. "We are sincerely grateful for all those who have shared this journey with Cody and our family. The joy that his interactions with Cody's Wish have brought him the last five years is indescribable. We will rely on those memories to help us through an unimaginably difficult time."
The passing of Dorman has left the racing community reeling, with Michael Banahan, director of bloodstock for Godolphin USA, expressing his disbelief at the loss. Banahan said, "It's hard to comprehend. The highs and now the lows—it really does seem like divine intervention from the day Cody and Cody's Wish first met. I do hope they find comfort from the journey they've been on."
Team Cody's Wish, which includes the Dorman family, owner/breeder Godolphin, trainer Bill Mott and his team, and jockey Junior Alvarado, were recently honored with the Mr. Fitz Award for typifying the spirit of racing by the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters. Dorman was also honored with the 2022 Big Sport of Turfdom Award during the University of Arizona's Global Symposium on Racing.
Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, expressed his condolences, saying, "We, as is everyone in racing, are devastated by the news of Cody Dorman's passing. Cody touched hundreds of thousands of people's hearts, giving us the privilege of seeing a true champion persevere against all odds. We hope the Dormans take comfort in this difficult time knowing the impact their son and his love of a horse—and the horse's love of a remarkable young man—lives on as one of the most inspiring stories ever in the chronicles of horse racing."
The Breeders' Cup also released a statement mourning Cody's passing, saying, "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."
Lisa Lazarus, CEO of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, also paid tribute to Cody, saying, "Cody inspired us all. Our sport and everyone working in it are better for having known the Dorman family and learned from their joy and perseverance. My heart goes out to Cody's family, friends, and everyone whose lives were touched by his story."
The Dorman family has requested that donations be made to Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana in lieu of flowers. Funeral arrangements are pending.