In the world of sports, there are stories of victory, tales of underdog triumphs, and chronicles of legendary athletes. But every so often, a story emerges that transcends the sport itself, touching the hearts of millions and reminding us of the profound connections that can form in the most unlikely of circumstances. The story behind Cody’s Wish horse is one such tale—a narrative not just about horse racing, but about a magical bond between a determined young man and the equine champion who became his kindred spirit. It’s a story of hope, resilience, and a friendship that defied words, leaving an indelible mark on all who witnessed it.
This incredible journey began not at a racetrack, but at Godolphin’s Gainsborough Farm in Versailles, Kentucky. The central figure wasn’t a seasoned jockey or a famous trainer, but a young man named Cody Dorman. Born with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, a rare and severe genetic disorder, Cody faced immense physical challenges. Confined to a wheelchair and communicating via a tablet, he navigated a world of limitations with a spirit that refused to be broken. Yet, as he entered his teenage years, the weight of his condition led to a period of deep depression. His family, seeking to lift his spirits, reached out to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, setting in motion a series of events that no one could have predicted. This beautiful narrative has become one of the most cherished happy horse stories of our time, showcasing the deep emotional capacity of these magnificent animals.
Who Was Cody Dorman?
To understand the magic of Cody’s Wish, one must first understand the quiet strength of Cody Dorman. Diagnosed at birth, doctors gave his parents, Kelly and Leslie Dorman, a grim prognosis, suggesting their son might not live past the age of two. But Cody was a fighter. He defied medical expectations year after year, developing a sharp, witty personality and a love for fishing and sports.
Despite his vibrant inner world, his physical reality was immensely challenging. Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome affects many parts of the body, and for Cody, it meant he could not walk or speak. He endured countless surgeries and medical procedures. His father, Kelly, often spoke of Cody’s incredible spirit, but also of the dark times when the young man’s fire began to dim. It was during one of these difficult periods that a visit was arranged for him to meet a thoroughbred, a wish that would ultimately change everything.
A Fateful First Meeting: The Make-A-Wish Moment
In 2018, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Keeneland Race Course, Cody and his family visited Godolphin’s prestigious farm. The goal was simple: to give a deserving young man a joyful experience. Farm manager Danny Mulvihill was tasked with choosing a gentle foal for Cody to meet. He selected a handsome, six-month-old weanling sired by the legendary champion Curlin.
What happened next was pure magic. As Cody was positioned in his wheelchair, the young, unnamed foal cautiously approached. Instead of being skittish or aloof, the horse walked directly up to Cody, lowered his head, and gently rested it in the boy’s lap. The connection was instantaneous and palpable. For several moments, the two remained perfectly still, sharing a quiet, profound communication that needed no words. Kelly Dorman recalled hearing his son let out a deep, heartfelt belly laugh—a sound so rare and precious it brought tears to his eyes. In that moment, a bond was forged, and the dark clouds that had gathered around Cody began to part.
“The foal just came up, laid his head down in Cody’s lap, and just spent some quiet time there with Cody,” a farm employee later recalled. “It was as if the horse knew who was there to see him and understood that he needed to be gentle.”
From a Foal’s Nudge to a Champion’s Name
The encounter left a lasting impression not only on the Dorman family but also on the team at Godolphin. They knew this was no ordinary interaction. When it came time to name the promising young colt, the choice was obvious. He was named Cody’s Wish, a tribute to the young man who had inspired such a remarkable moment of connection.
The name became a self-fulfilling prophecy. As Cody’s Wish began his training, it was clear he possessed immense talent, but also a fiery, sometimes difficult temperament. Yet, whenever Cody Dorman was near, the horse transformed. His handlers noted that the powerful, energetic thoroughbred would become as gentle as a lamb around Cody, nuzzling him softly and standing perfectly still. The pair seemed to speak a secret language, one of heart and spirit. Dr. Sarah Miller, a specialist in equine behavior, commented on this phenomenon: “While we can’t know for sure what an animal is thinking, the consistent change in a horse’s demeanor around a specific person strongly suggests a deep recognition and an affiliative bond. It’s a relationship built on trust and mutual comfort, which is truly extraordinary.” This powerful connection is a central element of the cody’s wish horse story, defining its emotional core.
The Racetrack Legend: How Cody’s Wish Fulfilled the Wish
The story behind Cody’s Wish horse took on a legendary dimension when he began his racing career. After finishing third in his first three races, a curious pattern emerged. Cody Dorman told his parents he believed the horse wouldn’t win until he was there in person to watch. The family made the trip to Churchill Downs for his fourth start, and just as Cody predicted, Cody’s Wish stormed to his first victory.
This became the theme of his career. With Cody cheering from the sidelines, Cody’s Wish began an incredible run, winning race after race. He captured major stakes victories, including the Forego Stakes and, most famously, the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile—twice. His 2022 victory at Keeneland, with Cody and his family in attendance, was a tearful, triumphant moment that captured the hearts of the racing world. Commentators and fans alike were moved by the sight of the champion horse and the young man who was his inspiration.
A Champion’s Heart
Cody’s Wish was known for his thrilling, come-from-behind running style. He often broke slowly from the gate, falling to the back of the pack before unleashing a powerful, determined surge in the final stretch to overtake his rivals. This resilience on the track seemed to mirror Cody Dorman’s own fighting spirit. For Cody, the horse represented the strength and freedom he didn’t have in his own body. As his father said, “That horse was given the legs that he didn’t have.” Cody’s Wish never gave up, and neither did Cody.
The Final Chapter and a Lasting Legacy
In November 2023, Cody’s Wish was set to run his final race before retirement: a second defense of his title in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita Park. The Dorman family traveled to California to witness the horse’s last run. In a heart-stopping duel down the stretch, Cody’s Wish battled Preakness winner National Treasure, ultimately winning by a nose in a dramatic photo finish. It was a Hollywood ending to a Hollywood story.
Cody was there to celebrate one last time, sharing a final, quiet moment with his beloved horse. Tragically, on the journey home to Kentucky the following day, Cody Dorman passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was just shy of his 18th birthday. The news was heartbreaking, but it also felt strangely poetic. The boy and his horse had completed their journey together. Their story was finished, and it was perfect.
The legacy of their bond endures. Cody’s Wish retired a champion, named the 2023 American Horse of the Year, and their story is now being developed into a major motion picture. But more than the accolades, the story behind Cody’s Wish horse is a powerful testament to the healing power of animals and the unbreakable strength of the human spirit. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest victories aren’t just about crossing a finish line, but about the love and connection we find along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the story behind the horse Cody’s Wish?
The horse was named after Cody Dorman, a teenager with a rare genetic disorder called Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. During a Make-A-Wish visit to Godolphin Farm, the unnamed foal walked up to Cody and rested its head in his lap, forming an instant, remarkable bond.
How did Cody Dorman pass away?
Cody Dorman passed away in his sleep from a medical event related to his condition while traveling home from California. His passing occurred the day after he watched Cody’s Wish win his final race at the 2023 Breeders’ Cup.
Did Cody’s Wish win the Breeders’ Cup?
Yes, Cody’s Wish was a two-time winner of the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. He won the prestigious race in both 2022 at Keeneland and 2023 at Santa Anita Park, with Cody Dorman in attendance for both victories.
What condition did Cody Dorman have?
Cody Dorman was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, a rare chromosomal disorder that can cause serious medical problems, developmental delays, and distinct facial features. It required him to use a wheelchair and communicate with a tablet.
What happened to the horse Cody’s Wish after retiring?
After his final victory at the Breeders’ Cup, Cody’s Wish was retired from racing. He now stands at stud at Godolphin’s Jonabell Farm in Kentucky, where he has begun a new chapter as a stallion, carrying on his champion bloodline.
