By R. David Shew
The Gallery on Main sponsored an “Evening with Cody’s Wish” and held a silent auction to honor local artists Tuesday night. A live auction will be held at a future date to raise money for the Gallery on Main and participating artists.
Kelly Dorman, the father of Cody Dorman, told the story to those in attendance where the Making Wish Foundation took Cody to Gainsborough Farm in Versailles. He said that the Farm Manager, Danny Mulvihill, was a bit concerned about a young boy in a wheelchair and how a horse would react.
After introducing Cody to a mare, Danny brought out a yearling and introduced Cody. Kelly stated that the unnamed horse at the time came straight over and laid his head in Cody’s lap. That was the beginning of a beautiful story.
Later, Danny called Kelly and his wife, Leslie, and asked them if it was okay to name the yearling after their son, Cody. Of course, that was only the beginning of the story when the young yearling became Cody’s Wish.
For the record, Cody’s Wish went onto win the 2022 Forego Stakes at Saratoga, the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Keeneland, the 2023 Churchill Downs Stakes at Churchill Downs, the 2023 Metropolitan Mile at the Belmont, and the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita.
Cody’s Wish had 16 starts in his career with 11 wins, one second, and four thirds. Therefore, if you bet Cody’s Wish in all 16 races, you would have cashed a ticket every time.
Cody Dorman and Cody’s Wish had a special connection. Their story will be told in a book to be released in May 2026, according to his father, Kelly. In addition, the Dormans have been hired by a production company in California to consult in a film about their son’s life and connection to Cody’s Wish.
Stay tuned to WBON for future stories as the Dormans relive their special story between Cody and Cody’s Wish. Many thanks to Kelly, Leslie, and Kylie for sharing your story with the Gallery on Main.
Last but not least, thank you to Graham Lovatt, the Godolphin at Jonabell Farm Stallion Manager, and his wife Emma for representing the farm and Michael Banahan, the Racing Manager at Godolphin, for making this event come together.
Wishing Cody’s Wish a long and happy stud career and keeping this story alive!
