Teenager who inspired the name of superstar racehorse dies of rare disorder

06 November 2023 , 15:42

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Cody Dorman (left) and Cody's Wish after winning the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile with Junior Alvarado in the saddle (Image: @AtTheRaces Twitter /Darron Cummings/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

A teenager whose bond with a superstar racehorse captured the hearts and minds of racing fans across the world has passed away.

Cody Dorman inspired the naming of dual Breeders’ Cup victor Cody’s Wish. The 17 year-old, who was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, was at Santa Anita last Saturday to watch Cody’s Wish retain his crown in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.

He was taken ill while travelling home to Kentucky from the Breeders’ Cup card in Santa Anita, Los Angeles.

A statement from the Dorman family issued by Godolphin said: "We are heartbroken to share the news that our beloved Cody suffered a medical event on our way home to Kentucky yesterday and he has passed away.

"Cody watched his best friend, Cody's Wish, display his usual perseverance and toughness to win a second Breeders' Cup. Those are the same characteristics that Cody has shown time and again during the 18 years we were blessed to have him.

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"We have been completely amazed to experience the impact that Cody has had on so many people, through the journey that this wonderous racehorse has taken us all on. From Churchill Downs to Keeneland, to Saratoga to Santa Anita this weekend, we could not move more than 20 feet without someone stopping to tell us just that."

In a statement, the Breeders' Cup said: "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 honour.

Cody Dorman (below right) with dad Kelly after Cody's Wsh's victory (AP)

"We send our sincere condolences to the Dormans, who gave our sport so much by welcoming us into their family."

Cody's Wish, who is trained by William Mott, has won 10 of his 15 races and gained a huge following because of Cody’s story.

Jason Heavey