17-year-old Cody Dorman the namesake of Breeders’ Cup Champion CODY’S WISH passed away November 5th while on his trip home to Kentucky.

Cody had been in attendance at Santa Anita on Saturday to witness CODY’S WISH Win his second consecutive BC Dirt Mile.

“We are heartbroken to share the news that our beloved Cody suffered a medical event on our trip home to Kentucky yesterday and he has passed away,” read a statement from the family.

“On Saturday, Cody watched his best friend, CODY’S WISH, display his usual perseverance and toughness in winning a second Breeders’ Cup. Those are the same characteristics Cody has showed time and again for the 17 years we were blessed to have him.”

Dorman was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting many body parts. He experienced frequent seizures. He was unable to walk or speak, relying on a tablet to communicate.

His father, Kelly, estimated that his son had undergone between 40 and 50 operations, including open-heart surgery.

“With Cody’s diagnosis at birth, we always knew this day would come, but we were determined to help Cody live his best life for however long we had him. Anyone who has seen him at the racetrack, especially around CODY’S WISH, understands that in many ways he taught us all how to live, always keeping a positive attitude and being more concerned about those around him than himself,” said the family.

Cody’s life captured the hearts and minds of anyone remotely familiar with the sport horse racing. His story of strength, spirit and determination were rightfully embodied by the horse named in his honor.

It’s an old adage that says; horses lend us the wings we lack. Riders up Cody, Godspeed and a safe trip.