One of the most inspiring stories in racing history involves the late Cody Dorman and his namesake, Cody’s Wish.

Dorman was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects many body parts and can dramatically shorten life expectancy. He was unable to walk or speak and used subtle head movements to communicate on a tablet.

Dorman met the foal that he credited with extending his life when he visited Godolphin’s Gainsborough Farm in Versailles, Ky., in 2018 through the Make-A-Wish program. When the son of Curlin warily approached Cody’s wheelchair and then buried his head in Cody’s lap, Godolphin office manager Mary Bourne and others were so touched by that moment that Bourne requested and received permission to name the horse after the boy.

Dorman and Cody’s Wish formed an extraordinary bond as the horse went on to an illustrious career in which he won 11 of 16 starts and earned more than $2.9 million. Cody followed every step of his career and sat trackside when he won the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky., in 2022 and when he successfully defended that title Nov. 4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., to emerge as a prime Horse of the Year candidate.

Dorman died while he was returning to his hometown of Richmond, Ky., the day after the Breeders’ Cup. He was 17. He is survived by his parents, Leslie and Kelly, and a sister, Kylie.

Kelly Dorman wanted to share the family’s journey with Cody to followers of America’s Best Racing by sending along photos that capture memories they will always treasure.