CODY’S, THE STORY OF A WISH THAT KEEPS ON WINNING

Homebred Cody's Wish, this year's Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner who shares an endearing bond with Cody Dorman, has been voted the winner of the 2022 Secretariat Vox Populi Award. Created by Secretariat's owner Penny Chenery, the annual award recognises the horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the public and gained recognition for Thoroughbred racing.

Owned by Godolphin, trained by Bill Mott, and ridden throughout the year by Junior Alvarado, Cody's Wish and his special story have gained affection and admiration that transcend the sport of racing. On the track, Cody's Wish's 2022 accomplishments featured four victories in five starts, including impressive performances in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile and Grade 1 Forego Stakes.

In addition to his racing success, it was his continuing connection with his now 16yo namesake Cody Dorman, who lives with a rare genetic disorder, that captured fans' hearts and an abundance of Vox Populi votes.

WISH COME TRUE

In 2018, Richmond, Kentucky native Dorman was offered a tour of Godolphin's Gainsborough Farm as part of Keeneland's ‘Make A Wish Day’. Dorman's condition, Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome, renders him unable to speak and relegates him to a wheelchair.

During Dorman's visit to the farm, an inquisitive foal, just six months old, walked over to young Cody and put his head in the boy's lap. And with that, the bay colt earned his name: Cody's Wish. Nearly four years later, the special bond and sweet interactions between the two continue, including just days before this year's Breeders' Cup when the horse reconnected with his ‘pal’.

INSTANT BOND

“Cody's Wish and his namesake Cody Dorman forged an instant bond that would grow to connect millions of fans to their inspiring story of hope and determination,” said Kate Chenery Tweedy, daughter of Penny Chenery. “Not only did Cody's Wish win the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, as Cody predicted, but both Cody's won the hearts of people everywhere.

Their uplifting story exemplifies the best ideals of the Vox Populi Award, just as Mom wished.” Nominees for the award were submitted by the Vox Populi Committee, comprised of distinguished personalities from within and outside the racing industry. Voters also had the option to write in their own favourite candidate to recognise other exceptional horses.