Cody Dorman, namesake of Cody’s Wish, dies

VERSAILLES, Ky. (WTVQ) — Cody Dorman, the namesake of racehorse Cody’s Wish, has died, Breeders’ Cup staff announced Monday. He was 18.

“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,” a statement from officials said.

Just days ago, Cody, along with his dad Kelly, mom Leslie and 10-year-old sister Kylie made the trip from Kentucky to California to root for Cody’s Wish in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.

There, Cody met up with 5-year-old Cody’s Wish.

They had a personal, half-hour meet-and-greet with the horse and Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.

Cody, who is able to communicate via tablet, loves watching videos of the horse training or walking or racing for hours on end. His bedroom at home is filled with all things Cody’s Wish, his family said.

Cody was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, a rare genetic disease.

“The Cody Dorman-Cody’s Wish love story gained steam when the horse won the Dirt Mile last year. It has made the youngster a rock star as he and his four-legged friend’s friendship has been chronicled by media outlets throughout the land,” the Breeders’ Cup wrote in a story dated three days ago.

Cody’s Wish won his second Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, too — and Cody Dorman was there to watch.

According to a report from BloodHorse, Cody suffered a medical event on the trip back to Kentucky and passed away shortly after.