Cody Dorman, the 17-year-old Kentuckian at the heart of the most emotionally-charged story during this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships, died Nov. 5 on his way home after watching his namesake Cody's Wish win his second consecutive Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1), according to the Dorman family.
"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 would have turned 18 in December, was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting many body parts. He experienced frequent seizures. He was unable to walk or speak, relying on a tablet to communicate. His father, Kelly, estimated that his son had undergone between 40-50 operations, including open-heart surgery.
"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.
Dorman and Cody's Wish made their first connection during a family's visit in October 2018 to Godolphin's Gainsborough Farm, which was arranged by Keeneland with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. During this visit, farm manager Danny Mulvihill wanted Dorman to meet a foal but was concerned the young man's wheelchair might be too scary. He chose an unnamed son of Curlin and a Godolphin homebred.
"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."
After the young colt sniffed around the boy and wheelchair, he laid his head onto Dorman's lap and the tie between them was sealed. Godolphin named the colt Cody's Wish in Dorman's honor.
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."
Michael Banahan, director of bloodstock for Godolphin USA, said the loss of Dorman is hard to fathom after the excitement during Breeders' Cup weekend.
"It really does seem like divine intervention from the day Cody and Cody's Wish first met," he said. "The highs and now the lows—it's hard to comprehend. It has hit us all like a wall. I do hope they find comfort from the journey they've been on."
Team Cody's Wish, which also includes the Dorman family, owner/breeder Godolphin, trainer Bill Mott and his team, and jockey Junior Alvarado, were honored last week by the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters with the Mr. Fitz Award for typifying the spirit of racing. Dorman also was 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, said he had the privilege to meet Cody and Kelly Dorman during the symposium and was able to share his love of fishing with them. Hamelback said he has a "Casting For Cody" sticker on his phone that he'll now treasure even more.
"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," Hamelback said. "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.
"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 hit the race track in 2027, continuing Cody Dorman's legacy."
The Breeders' Cup sent out 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."
"Cody inspired us all," said Lisa Lazarus, CEO of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. "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 asks for donations be made to Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana in lieu of flowers. Funeral arrangements are pending.
