Cody's Wish
A Boy, a Racehorse, and a Fight for Life
Published on 5. May 2026
200 pages
978-1-4930-9536-0 (ISBN)
Description
The heart-stirring true story of a champion racehorse, a courageous boy, and the wish that united them
Cody Dorman had already beaten the odds when, at age thirteen, he was introduced to a five-month-old Thoroughbred foal in 2018 through Make-A-Wish. Born with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, Cody had undergone more than forty operations, including two open-heart surgeries before he was three. One doctor told his parents he wouldn't live past his second birthday.
There was an instant connection between teenage Cody and the foal, one so impactful that the owners named the young racehorse Cody's Wish. When Cody was severely depressed a few years later during the pandemic, another visit to see "his" horse snapped him out of it. Cody later traveled to racetracks around the country to watch Cody's Wish run. Each time they met-in the paddock, on the backstretch, in the winner's circle-the bond between the 1,100-pound racehorse and 70-pound boy was obvious. They would stare at each other, then the horse would walk toward Cody and put his head in his lap.
Cody saw Cody's Wish win a Breeders' Cup race at Keeneland in 2022 and was at Santa Anita in 2023 when the horse ended his career with a thrilling victory. The next day on the flight home, Cody fell asleep on his mother's shoulder and did not wake up. While his death caused immeasurable sadness, those close to him were comforted by the fact that he was there for his horse right to the end.
This is a story of resilience, triumph, and love-of the inexplicable yet undeniable bond between a courageous boy and the champion racehorse he considered his best friend. And it is a story that is still ongoing, with a life-size monument at Kentucky Horse Park debuting in 2025 and the first crop of Cody's Wish foals heading to the yearling sales in 2026, to race as two-year-olds in 2027.
Cody Dorman had already beaten the odds when, at age thirteen, he was introduced to a five-month-old Thoroughbred foal in 2018 through Make-A-Wish. Born with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, Cody had undergone more than forty operations, including two open-heart surgeries before he was three. One doctor told his parents he wouldn't live past his second birthday.
There was an instant connection between teenage Cody and the foal, one so impactful that the owners named the young racehorse Cody's Wish. When Cody was severely depressed a few years later during the pandemic, another visit to see "his" horse snapped him out of it. Cody later traveled to racetracks around the country to watch Cody's Wish run. Each time they met-in the paddock, on the backstretch, in the winner's circle-the bond between the 1,100-pound racehorse and 70-pound boy was obvious. They would stare at each other, then the horse would walk toward Cody and put his head in his lap.
Cody saw Cody's Wish win a Breeders' Cup race at Keeneland in 2022 and was at Santa Anita in 2023 when the horse ended his career with a thrilling victory. The next day on the flight home, Cody fell asleep on his mother's shoulder and did not wake up. While his death caused immeasurable sadness, those close to him were comforted by the fact that he was there for his horse right to the end.
This is a story of resilience, triumph, and love-of the inexplicable yet undeniable bond between a courageous boy and the champion racehorse he considered his best friend. And it is a story that is still ongoing, with a life-size monument at Kentucky Horse Park debuting in 2025 and the first crop of Cody's Wish foals heading to the yearling sales in 2026, to race as two-year-olds in 2027.
Reviews / Votes
"This book will make you weep, cheer, smile and weep again. It contains a story you will not soon forget." -- Tom Hammond, NBC Sports "The story of Cody Dorman and Cody's Wish is one of the most unique and meaningful in Breeders' Cup history. It was never just about a great horse winning great races, but about the remarkable bond between a boy and a Thoroughbred whose purpose was bigger than the track. Paul Halloran has captured Cody's legacy while chronicling the courage and resilience of the Dorman family. This book ensures that Cody's light, his family's love, and the bond that carried them all into racing's history will never be forgotten. We are honored to see it shared with the world." -- Drew Fleming, CEO, Breeders' Cup Limited "Paul Halloran's poignant book detailing Cody Dorman's valiant fight for life brings full circle the story of Cody and his extraordinary friendship with this special horse. Cody and his family-Kylie, Leslie, and Kelly-embody the true meaning of 'never give up.' Halloran's writing transcends mere moments, masterfully merging the Godolphin stallion's fierce grit during his races with the kitten-like softness he displayed in Cody's presence. Paul transports us into the deeper realm of the horse and human spirit, a bond beyond measure." -- Jocelyn Russell, sculptor, Secretariat and Cody's Wish monuments "A profound story of a remarkable bond between a young man born with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome and a courage-driven racehorse. The Saratoga Special veteran journalist Paul Halloran takes us on this emotional ride of life and loss, second chances, and the oh-so-powerful impact of love. Written with grace and compassion, Halloran opens the door on persons with disabilities, giving us a unique understanding, a view of hope, and the true belief that when the connection is real, hearts share the same beat." -- Kim Wickens, author of Lexington: The Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America's Legendary Racehorse "Who could guess that giving Paul Halloran that Travers Day assignment would provide the perfect opportunity for just the right person to tell the story of Cody Dorman and his family and the great Cody's Wish? Paul's understanding, empathy, and enthusiasm for those involved comes out masterfully in his writing and this book is a must read for anyone interested in racing. Even those without that passion for racing will be enthralled by this story of courage, compassion, and the unmistakable bond between a boy and a horse." -- Tom Law, managing editor, The Saratoga Special "'There's no quit in this horse and there's no quit in that young man over there'-so reports Paul K. Halloran Jr. on the true story of a disabled boy and the racehorse he inspired in Cody's Wish. Halloran's comprehensive reporting takes readers behind the inspiring story into the lives of the brave boy and the talented Thoroughbred whose love for one another touched a nation." -- Sarah Maslin Nir, author of Horse Crazy: The Story of a Woman and a World in Love with an Animal and two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize Paul Halloran's new book Cody's Wish captures literal lightning in a bottle, the connection between this boy and this horse and the places that bond took Cody and his family. . . . As familiar as any reader may be with the journey of the Dormans and Cody's Wish in 2022 and 2023, the book dives deep into those years and the joy and wonder that the boy and his horse bring to his family, those who were there, and those who may be learning about Cody's story for the first time. . . . Ultimately, this book is a profound testimony to the unspoken connections that can heal and sustain the human spirit. The unforgettable image of a thousand-pound champion gently bowing his head into the lap of that courageous young man will stay with readers long after they turn that final page. -- Jennifer Kelly * America's Best Racing *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Globe Pequot Press
File size
41,67 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-4930-9536-0 (9781493095360)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Paul K. Halloran Jr. has covered horse racing since the mid-1980s. He is a regular contributor to The Saratoga Special, Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred, and ThisIsHorseRacing.com and co-host of HHH Racing podcast. In 2022, he was assigned to cover the Forego Stakes, where he first encountered Cody's story. He has followed the family's journey ever since. His piece "Fairytale" for the Saratoga Special earned an honorable mention in the 2022 Media Eclipse Awards. Halloran is a lifelong resident of Boston.
