By Bill Finley
Cody Dorman, the inspirational teen who was suffering with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome and whose love affair with the two-time GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner Cody's Wish (Curlin) warmed the hearts of everyone in the sport of horse racing, died Sunday while en-route from Santa Anita to his home in Kentucky.
The news was released by Godolphin on Monday morning in the form of an announcement from his parents, Kelly and Leslie Dorman.
The announcement read:
“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. 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.
“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.”
🇺🇸👼🏼 “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
As a young teenager, Dorman–who would have turned 18 next month–and his family visited Gainsborough Farm in Kentucky thanks to Keeneland and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Despite the boy being in a wheelchair, Cody's Wish–at the time an unnamed foal–sniffed him and put his head in his lap, forming a bond between the horse and the boy that would last throughout the colt's career, which ended Saturday with his second Breeders' Cup win. Dorman and his family were able see a number of the 5-year-old's 16 career races in Kentucky, New York and California and were in the winner's circle for both Breeders' Cup victories.
In a post on the X platform, Godolphin, USA's COO, Dan Pride, said: “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 industry. 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.”
Following the news of Dorman's death, the Breeders' Cup issued the following statement:
“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.”
Tributes and condolences poured in from the industry across social media. A selection showing how much Cody Dorman and his story touched others is shown below.
Junior Alvarado, who rode Cody's Wish to victory:
“We are absolutely gutted and heartbroken over this news. Cody has given everyone a new perspective on life and I think we all can be so thankful that we got to know him. How lucky for all of us to see this amazing story unfold. Thank you Cody for everything.”
NYRA:
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Cody Dorman. Our thoughts are with the Dorman family and all who cared for and loved Cody.”
Churchill Downs:
“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.”
Donna Brothers:
“I guess Cody's work here was done. We learned how to keep an open heart–and dream big–from him. Let us not forget. May you rest in peace, Sweet Cody.”
The winner's circle Saturday | Eclipse Sportswire/Breeders' Cup
Nick Luck:
“Cody touched so many with his courage and resilience. To the last, he knew just how much he was loved and cherished by his remarkable family. They showed us how we should look after each other.”
TVG/FanDuel TV:
“The team from FanDuel TV would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the Dorman family and all those who knew and were inspired by Cody Dorman. His courage and strength will not be forgotten.”
Caton Bredar:
“The words from Team Cody's Wish, and Cody himself, will stay thru these darker hours. Thinking not only of Cody's family, but of his extended family including Team Mott, who did so much to help a dream come true in a bigger way than any could have imagined.”
Destin Heath:
“In a sad ending to a tale that has touched racing insiders, and people around the world, Cody Dormans magical ride has come to an end. We are all better for being witness to the bond he had with Cody's Wish. Tragically magical. We will all remember Cody and his name sake.”
Tom Ryan:
“The bond between Cody's Wish and Cody Dorman was unique; Cody's Wish fought fiercely for his friend on Saturday, a day his family will cherish. We are all saddened by the passing of Cody Dorman but glad they crossed paths and Cody's Wish brought him so much joy.”
National HBPA CEO Eric Hamelback added in a released statement:
“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.
“I had the honor of meeting Cody and Kelly Dorman in December at the University of Arizona's racing symposium where Cody was recognized with the 2022 Big Sport Turfdom award. I was delighted to hear that Cody, along with his dad, shared my same love and passion for fishing. I am proud to have a “Casting For Cody” sticker on my phone that I'll treasure even more.
“We are so thankful that Cody was able to see his namesake Cody's Wish capture the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile for the second straight year, this time by a nose. There couldn't be a more fitting horse to be named for Cody, and I know the entire racing industry is so appreciative of Godolphin for granting a young teen's initial wish and all the wonderful memories that followed, including those with trainer Bill Mott and his team. Now we look forward to seeing the foals sired by Cody's Wish's hit the race track in 2027, continuing Cody Dorman's legacy.”
Sara Gordon, the TDN's social media manager, penned a poem Monday in honor of Cody titled 'One Last Race.'
A boy in a wheelchair
An unnamed yearling
Both unable to speak
And yet, both understood
The power of hope
Fueled by a brilliant racehorse
Loved by a resilient boy
Cody Dorman couldn't walk
Cody's Wish did that for him
Cody Dorman couldn't run
Cody's wish did that for him
But Cody Dorman could love
And Cody's Wish loved him back
A story that inspires all
A connection that transcends all
A network of supporters turned family
A divine hand
One last barn visit
One last trip to the paddock
One last race
One last win
One last trip to the winner's circle
Together, as they were meant to be
Cody's Wish: granted.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations be made to Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana. Funeral arrangements are pending.
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