Cody Dorman dies returning from Breeders' Cup

Cody Dorman, who was closely associated with dual Breeders' Cup winner Cody’s Wish, has died.

The teenager, who was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome – a rare genetic condition that meant he could not speak and was a wheelchair user – had been a key part of the Cody’s Wish journey since Bill Mott’s five-year-old was a foal.

The pair first met when the Dorman family visited Gainsborough Farm Stud and the then foal, who would go on to be named Cody’s Wish, approached Dorman and placed his head in his lap.

That was the beginning of an unbreakable bond which would last the duration of the Godolphin-owned colt’s racing career, with Dorman trackside for both of his big victories at the Breeders’ Cup.

Having witnessed Cody’s Wish bow out in style when bravely defending his Dirt Mile title at Santa Anita, Dorman died while travelling home from California to his family home in Kentucky.

A special moment with @godolphin's Cody’s Wish and his namesake Cody Dorman!

The reigning #BreedersCup Dirt Mile champ is going for a back-to-back Dirt Mile victory this Saturday for #BC23. pic.twitter.com/pEBTV8JP52

A statement released to Godolphin by parents Kelly and Leslie Dorman, read: "We are heartbroken to share the news that our beloved Cody suffered a medical event on our trip home to Kentucky and he has passed away.

"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 18 years we were blessed to have him.

"We have been completely amazed to experience the impact Cody has had on so many people, through the journey that this wondrous racehorse has taken us all on.

"From Churchill Downs to