“20 Lifetimes of Negativity”: Inspiring Equestrian Duo of 17-Year-Old With Rare Disease and His Horse Win Over Saratoga Despite Missing First Place

The equestrian world is never behind in noble work. Cody Dorman is a 17-year-old boy who was born with a rare genetic disorder. The genetic disorder had left him unable to walk or communicate without a tablet. In 2018, he met an unnamed foal in Keeneland, Kentucky on making a wish day. The owner honored the boy by naming the foal after his name Cody’s Wish. Since then, the bond between the grew stronger by the day.

Cody’s Wish the five-year-old horse was participating in grade 1 Whitney Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. Among his supporters were Cody Dorman and his family. Trained by William I. Mott the horse arrived at the event having winning streaks since the mid of last year. Unfortunately, this time he couldn’t achieve the podium finish but, Cody and his family had a memorable day at Saratoga.

Cody Dorman and his Family had a memorable day

Cody Dorman and his family arrived for Whitney Stakes at Saratoga to cheer his friend Cody’s Wish. The five-year-old horse was in form and had won all his races since May 2022. But, this time his luck ran out and he finished in the third position behind White Abbario and Zandon. Despite losing the relationship between the 17-year-old and the horse has captivated the equestrian community. The support and response they got was exemplary.

When the family arrived at the  1863 Club en route to winning circle the dinners rose to their feet and chanted Cody’s name. When they arrived at the winning circle the fans chanted for their support. On their return after the race, they were welcomed with more chanting and support. This has left the family emotional. Kelly Dorman the father of Cody said, “It’s just it’s been incredible“. He was overwhelmed by the people’s response who came to him talked about their support and even some of them cried heavily for the family. Speaking on the race Kelly said, “That’s still a good race”. According to him, Cody’s Wish has “been a winner before he ever was racehorse” for what he has done for his son.

Sharing his thought on the relationship between his son ad the horse Kelly said, “Cody and that horse have a story that’s embedded forever“. He further said that he is proud of the horse. He thinks Cody’s Wish has “been through 20 lifetimes of negativity and adversity“. But the horse never gave up and runs the same way. The horse runs are evident from his performances at the event throughout his career.

Cody’s Wish Race career

Cody’s Wish was born in 2018. He is the son of Curlin and Dance Card. The five-year-old is owned by Godolphin and was bred by them in Kentucky. He started racing in 2021 and since then he had 14 starts of which he won nine. In the remaining five he finished second in one and in third spot in four races. This means throughout his racing career he had achieved a spot among the top three.

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Cody’s Wish has six stakes wins in his career to date. This year he had participated in three races including Whitney and won two of them. Both were Grade 1 Stakes – Metropolitan and Churchill Downs Stakes. The horse’s this year earning is $1,116,400 and his net worth to date is $2,448,530.

Cody’s Wish has performed up to the mark since his racing debut and had really done a great deal for Cody Dorman with his incredible wins. The reception the family got at Saratoga is indeed memorable. We hope the relationship grows even stronger and Cody gives a winning gift to his namesake in the next race.

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