TOP 8: CODY’S WISH

The tale of Cody’s Wish is a profound reminder of the deep connections that can form between humans and horses, transcending the conventional boundaries of interspecies relationships. It’s a narrative that highlights not just the competitive spirit of horse racing but the emotional, almost spiritual, bonds that can develop in this world, enriching the sport with stories of hope, resilience, and mutual healing.

Cody’s Wish could not be Cody’s Wish if he had never met a courageous young man, Cody Dorman, battling the relentless waves of Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. This rare genetic disease causes congenital heart defects, intellectual disability, seizures, and delayed growth and development. Their paths crossed through the Make-A-Wish program Farm tour in 2018, crafted a poignant moment that it is as though the cosmos plotted their union. The colt, unnamed at the time, sauntered over and nestled his head tenderly in Cody’s lap, a silent communion blossoming into an enduring companionship, hence gifting him his moniker, a homage to a friendship rooted in unspoken empathy. Bourne suggested Cody’s Wish and Cody’s Dream, along with a third name she could not recall. Obviously, the approved name was the first choice.

As the seasons turned, their rapport flourished, offering Cody a beacon during trying times when he was cloaked in grief from his grandfather’s passing in February 2019. Cody’s family called Bourne and set up a visit in the fall of 2020 when Cody’s Wish was still an unraced 2-year-old colt to help ease the sadness in the young man’s heart. They initially thought Cody’s Wish could harm Cody since the horse is no longer a harmless foal but a colt full of vim and vigor. Hence, they planned only to see the horse from a distance. However, Cody’s Wish acted like a normal human being who had just seen a good friend after being separated for two years. Unexpectedly, Cody’s Wish did not even misbehave or get aggressive. Instead, he carefully approached Cody and let him rub his nose. He found comfort in his four-legged confidant’s presence, a testament that sometimes, the most profound healing is ushered in on four hooves with the gentlest nuzzles. A miracle happened when Cody laughed, knowing his family rarely saw him laugh and show immediate reaction or emotion. Their heartfelt reunion, with a symphony of genuine emotion, displayed the colt’s soothing nature, rekindling an ethereal connection as Cody’s laughter, a rare and treasured melody, broke the silence of his adversities. It then solidified their undeniable friendship as Cody reacted similarly in succeeding visits, and the horse has never failed to acknowledge Cody.

Cody Dorman also became Cody’s Wish’s source of strength and power when Cody’s Wish did not successfully debut in his three maiden special weight races. Cody said that Cody’s Wish would not win until he showed up to his race and showed his support for his friend. Like it was destined, when Cody attended Cody’s Wish’s race at Churchill Downs on October 2, 2021, the horse valiantly galloped his hooves infused with the spirit of his human counterpart, dashes across the finish line, and finally debuted, winning the race by two lengths. It displays their unspoken pact and shows everyone how horse racing is more than just a test of speed and stamina; it’s a canvas where remarkable tales of courage, companionship, and mutual respect are painted.

Starting that day, Dorman attended as many of Cody’s Wish’s races as he could, and the two became a living image of the bond between horses and humans. Their tale, enchanting the masses, turned every competition into a narrative rich with perseverance, companionship, and the purest joy born from a destiny intertwined. Hence, Cody Dorman’s connection to Cody’s Wish led to Dorman’s recognition as the 2022 “Big Sport of Turfdom.” The award, given by the Turf Publicists of America, recognizes a person or group who enhances coverage of Thoroughbred racing through cooperation with racing media and publicists. Furthermore, the story of Cody’s Wish and Cody Dorman was voted the FanDuel/National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s “Moment of the Year” for 2022 after Cody’s Wish climaxed the year by winning the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.

In the year 2022, the racetracks virtually echoed with the thunder of his hooves as Cody’s Wish clinched victory in four out of his five stakes races. Among these were two prestigious Grade I triumphs – the illustrious Forego Stakes at the historic Saratoga and the much-coveted Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at the scenic Keeneland. These victories were not just won but masterpieces of speed, stamina, and heart, painting a picture of a champion who knew how to claim the spotlight.

As the calendar turned to 2023, Cody’s Wish showed no signs of slowing down, his spirit as indomitable as ever. He once again gloriously won four of his five starts, a testament to his unwavering excellence and enduring vigor. His victories read like a list of the who’s who of horse racing – the Grade I Metropolitan Handicap, the Grade I Churchill Downs Stakes, and the Grade II Vosburgh Stakes. But the jewel in his crown was the defense of his title in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at the enchanting Santa Anita Park, a feat that solidified his status as a racing icon.

As Cody’s Wish steps away from the racetrack, it’s not merely the close of an era, but the dawn of a legacy immortalized through his lineage and in the souls stirred by his remarkable odyssey. It marks the end of his racing career but not the end of his story. His legacy lives on, not just in the record books of horse racing but in the powerful narrative of healing and friendship he represents. He ventures into Jonabell Farm’s verdant embrace, his saga interwoven with the dreams of a boy who discovered happiness in his shadow and those inspired by their profound alliance. His narrative stands as a monument to connection, echoing the belief that life’s most significant bonds are often those unforeseen yet deeply cherished.

In the chronicles of the racetrack, many a champion has etched their legacy, yet few have woven their essence into the sport’s very lore. Cody’s Wish is not just a horse of racing lore but a symbol of hope, strength, and the indomitable power of friendship, the bond that fueled his journey. His story isn’t merely about the races won, but the hearts touched, the spirits lifted, and the unbreakable bond that forever changed the course of two extraordinary lives.