Cody's Wish Makes Dream Come True for 15-Year-Old Cody Dorman

Oct 02, 2021 Churchill Downs Communications

It was the perfect start to racing Saturday at Churchill Downs where 3-year-old colt Cody’s Wish, named after 15-year-old Cody Dorman who suffers from the rare genetic disorder Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, recorded his first lifetime victory.

“This went from a wish and turned into a dream come true,” said Kelly Dorman, father of Cody.

In 2018, Godolphin, who owns Cody’s Wish, sponsored the Dorman family at Keeneland’s Make-A-Wish day. Dorman developed a special bond with Cody’s Wish when he was just a foal. Three years later, Cody’s Wish recorded his first victory with the Dorman family in attendance.

“This was such a special win for everyone involved,” trainer Bill Mott’s assistant Kenny McCarthy said. “We are certainly glad the family was able to be here for the special day.”

Cody’s Wish defeated seven rivals by two lengths in Saturday’s first race, a $120,000 maiden special weight contest. Ridden by Joel Rosario, Cody’s Wish completed the one-mile distance in 1:33.88, just .62 seconds off the track record that was set by Fruit Ludt in 2014.