Teenager Cody Dorman Dies After Namesake Horse Cody's Wish Wins Breeders’ Cup

Cody Dorman, 18, who inspired millions with his bond to the horse named after him, died following a "medical event" on his way back to Kentucky after watching Cody's Wish win the Breeders' Cup.

Cody Dorman, 18, suffering from Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, died on the way back home in Kentucky after attending Breeders' Cup where Cody's Wish, the horse named after him, won the event.
The bond between Dorman and Cody's Wish began in 2018 during a Make-A-Wish outing at Sheikh Mohammed's Gainsborough Stud when a young foal approached Dorman and stuck his head in his wheelchair-bound lap, creating a special connection that led to the horse being named after the boy.
Dorman's father credited Cody's Wish with keeping his son alive, seeing the horse's same perseverance and toughness in his son who inspired many people by living his best life despite his birth diagnosis.
Over the course of its career, Cody's Wish won 11 of its 16 starts, including back-to-back Dirt Miles at the Breeders' Cup, earning over $3.1 million for the owner Godolphin.
Just prior to his death, Dorman received the Mr. Fitz Award from the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters, an award given to a person who typifies the spirit of racing.