KENTUCKY, USA — The connection between a teenage boy and a horse, Cody's Wish, has become a testament to the power of connection.
Godolphin Racing's Gainsborough Farm, in Kentucky horse country, is where the two met when Cody Dorman visited with his family and Cody's Wish, at the time unnamed, was just a baby.
For Dorman, born with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome visiting the farm was a life-changing experience. His tenacious journey with this illness started with open-heart surgery at five weeks followed by over forty procedures by the age of seventeen.
He was invited to Keeneland Race Track, a day dedicated to making wishes come true. On that fateful day, Dorman, in a wheelchair, encountered the enchanting world of horses at Gainsborough Farm, hosted graciously by Danny Mulvihill, the farm's guardian.
The magical encounter between Dorman and a particular young horse transcended words. In a moment etched into the Dorman family's heart, Cody's Wish, as the horse came to be named, connected with Dorman in a way that words couldn't capture. It became a symbol of an unspoken promise.
The enchantment didn't end there. In the challenging days of the pandemic, Cody's Wish became a source of solace. The bond forged between Dorman and the horse became a lifeline, pulling Dorman out of the depths of depression.
The pinnacle of this extraordinary journey unfolded at the Breeder's Cup Dirt Mile at Keeneland. The very thought of attending the Breeder's Cup was thrilling for Dorman's parents, but to have a horse named after their son in the race was unreal.
As the race commenced, he initially had a slow start. But in the breathtaking climax, Cody's Wish surged ahead, crossing the finish line in first place. Tears and cheers mingled as the victory became more than just a triumph on the racetrack—it was a triumph of spirit.
Cody's Wish, has now concluded a remarkable racing career as a Grade One-winning Thoroughbred, leaves a legacy that transcends the racetrack. Trainer Bill Mott acknowledges the special bond between Dorman and his namesake horse.
Beyond the racetrack, Dorman's time with Cody's Wish was more than a wish granted; it was an embrace of heartwarming kindness. The Dorman family, once visitors, are now family at Gainsborough Farm, a testament to the profound connection between horses, hearts, and humanity.
Dorman's spirit, though no longer present, lingers in the hoofbeats of Cody's Wish, reminding us that dreams, whether big or small, have the power to unite hearts and transcend time.
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