Current:Home > ContactCody Dorman, who watched namesake horse win Breeders’ Cup race, dies on trip home -GrowthInsight
Cody Dorman, who watched namesake horse win Breeders’ Cup race, dies on trip home
View
Date:2025-04-19 00:06:18
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cody Dorman, the teenager who watched his namesake horse Cody’s Wish win at the Breeders’ Cup, has died. He was 17.
Dorman died Sunday after suffering a “medical event” on the family’s way home to Kentucky after attending the world championships at Santa Anita last week, according to a statement from his parents posted Monday on Godolphin Racing’s social media account.
Dorman was born with the rare genetic disorder Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, and the effects include delayed growth and development, intellectual disability, low muscle tone and seizures. He used a wheelchair.
“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,” the boy’s parents, Kelly and Leslie Dorman, wrote.
Dorman first met the horse during a Make-A-Wish visit to Godolphin’s Gainsborough Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, when Cody’s Wish was a 5-month-old weanling in 2018. The animal walked over to Dorman’s wheelchair and put his head in the boy’s lap, creating such a connection that Godolphin decided a year later to name the horse after Dorman.
“I think that horse probably saved Cody’s life in a lot of ways,” Kelly Dorman said Saturday. “I know him and the horse have made a lot of lives better.”
Cody’s Wish won his final race Saturday in the $1 million Dirt Mile, rallying from last and surviving a stewards’ inquiry to defend his title over Preakness winner National Treasure.
Cody Dorman was waiting in the winner’s circle, as if he already knew what the outcome would be.
The victory ensured a storybook ending for Cody’s Wish in his final race before retirement. He won 11 of 16 career starts, including eight in stakes races, and over $3.1 million in earnings for owner Godolphin.
“This heartfelt story has touched the hearts of many in and outside of the Thoroughbred industry,” Dan Pride, chief operating officer of Godolphin, said in a statement. “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.”
Dorman and his family were on hand to receive the Mr. Fitz Award from the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters at the group’s annual dinner last week. The award is for a person who typifies the spirit of racing.
Besides his parents, Dorman is survived by his sister Kylie.
veryGood! (9587)
Related
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Social Security COLA increase will ‘return to reality’ in 2024 after jump, predictions say
- Winston directs 3 scoring drives as Saints hold on for 22-17 victory over Chargers
- Demi Lovato and Longtime Manager Scooter Braun Part Ways After 4 Years
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- Kylie Jenner Is Officially in Her Mom Jeans Era
- Spain captain who scored game-winning goal learns after World Cup final her father died
- Tori Spelling Says She Been Hospitalized for Days in Latest Health Update
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- This queer youth choir gives teens a place to feel safe and change the world
Ranking
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Charles Martinet, the voice of Nintendo's beloved Mario character, is stepping down
- Julie Bowen Weighs In on Sofía Vergara's Single Life After Joe Manganiello Breakup
- Proud purple to angry red: These Florida residents feel unwelcome in 'new' Florida
- The city of Chicago is ordered to pay nearly $80M for a police chase that killed a 10
- Is Dodger Stadium flooded? No, it was just an illusion
- Julie Bowen Weighs In on Sofía Vergara's Single Life After Joe Manganiello Breakup
- Amanda Knox Is Pregnant, Expecting Baby No. 2 with Husband Christopher Robinson
Recommendation
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
Nevada assemblywoman announces congressional bid in swing district
Man facing more charges in kidnapping case and Pennsylvania prison escape that led to manhunt
Mother recounts desperate effort to save son killed in Maui fires before 15th birthday: Threw myself on the floor
Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
Dentist convicted of killing wife on African safari set to be sentenced to life in prison
Rihanna Gives Birth, Welcomes Baby No. 2 With A$AP Rocky
Probiotics fuel us but what fuels probiotics? Prebiotics.