Cody Dorman, Inspiration Behind Breeders’ Cup Winner ‘Cody’s Wish,’ Passes Away Day After Race

Cody Dorman, the 17-year-old inspiration behind two-time Breeders' Cup winner Cody's Wish, has passed away. Dorman and his family were in attendance for the race on Saturday, and the news of his passing was posted on the Wish.org page, which stated that Cody had a "medical event" on the trip home.

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.

Dorman was born with a rare genetic disorder called Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. The effects of this include delayed growth and development, intellectual disability, low muscle tone, and seizures, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Following the second victory in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, an impressive late-stretch comeback from the racehorse, Americas Best Racing showed the emotional moment between Cody and his family.

Cody's parents, Kelly and Leslie Dorman, posted the following message on Wish.org while breaking the sad news of their son's passing.

"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."