How could the result have been otherwise?
Cody’s Wish, the talented 4-year-old racehorse who shares a special relationship with teenager Cody Dorman, has been voted the public’s choice for the 2022 Secretariat Vox Populi Award.
Created by Secretariat’s owner, the late Penny Chenery, the annual award recognizes the horse whose popularity and racing excellence struck a chord with the public and earned recognition for thoroughbred racing.
Cody’s Wish, by leading sire Curlin and out of the Tapit mare Dance Card, is a fifth-generation great-grandson of Secretariat. The thousands of votes in the online public poll for Cody’s Wish topped the other nominees, who included the undefeated Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Flightline, and Rich Strike, the 80-1 longshot winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
The story of the colt who connected as a weanling with a boy suffering from a rare genetic condition that has left him unable to speak or walk has touched millions of people around the world. The colt was named after Cody Dorman, who met him at Godolphin’s Gainsborough Farm during a Make-a-Wish day in 2018.
Cody and Cody. (Photo courtesy of the Secretariat Foundation)
When the colt saw Cody, he walked over to the boy, putting his head in the teenager’s lap, The connection was made, and the horse got a name.
Cody’s Dream was victorious in the Breeder’s Cup Dirt Mile last month, with Cody in attendance–the 16-year-old believes that the horse will win if he comes to watch him race, and the results have borne him out.
The occasion at the Breeder’s Cup was emotional; there were plenty of tears all around in the winner’s circle, where Cody sat in his wheelchair, draped in the blanket of flowers won by Cody’s Wish.
And there’s more good news. Cody’s Wish is set to race again in 2023, to the delight of his fans and of course, Cody Dorman
Godolphin Farm stated its team is “delighted that Cody’s Wish was voted by the fans to be the recipient of the 2022 Vox Populi award. The story of the two Codys’ bond for each other since the foal, Cody’s Wish, and the boy, Cody Dorman, first met in 2018 is a magical one.”
The Dorman family stated, “We would like to extend our most heartfelt congratulations for winning the Vox Populi Award to a very special friend and horse that’s not only dear to our hearts, but to so many people around the globe as well. Thank you, Cody’s Wish, for not only having the heart of a warrior on the track, but even more so for having a heart of gold off of it.
“You have not only inspired an amazing young man in Cody Dorman but you’ve touched the hearts of thousands of people in many walks of life. You’ve provided tears of joy, warmed hearts and provided a simple smile to so many. Congratulations to Godolphin, and everyone involved in the care and training of Cody’s Wish.
The Vox Populi trophy presentation is scheduled to take place at Santa Anita Park on Jan. 14.
Cody’s Wish joins the roster of racing stars who previously received the Vox Populi Award: Hot Rod Charlie (2022), Authentic (2020), Bricks and Mortar (2019), Winx (2018), Ben’s Cat (2017), California Chrome (2016 and 2014), American Pharoah (2015), Mucho Macho Man (2013), Paynter (2012), Rapid Redux (2011), and inaugural winner Zenyatta (2010).:
“We would like to extend our most heartfelt congratulations for winning the Vox Populi Award to a very special friend and horse that’s not only dear to our hearts but to so many people around the globe as well,” said a statement from the Dorman family.
“Thank you, Cody’s Wish, for not only having the heart of a warrior on the track, but even more so for having a heart of gold off of it.
“You have not only inspired an amazing young man in Cody Dorman, but you’ve touched the hearts of thousands of people in many walks of life. You’ve provided tears of joy, warmed hearts and provided a simple smile to so many.
“Congratulations to Godolphin, and everyone involved in the care and training of Cody’s Wish. And all of the people surrounding this magical story. And yes, that includes everyone that’s supported and cheered on Cody’s Wish! This is what makes this award even more special.
The love shown between Cody and Cody’s Wish is such a blessing. An instant blessing between a special boy and a special horse that will be cherished for years to come. God Bless you Cody’s Wish. You’ll forever be in the hearts of many.”