Cody’s Wish a talented 4-year-old pony with a close relationship with teenager Cody Dorman, has been voted the winner of the Secretariat Vox Populi Award 2022. Created by the owner of the Secretariat , Penny Chenery, the annual award recognizing the horse whose popularity and excellence in racing resonates the most with the public and is recognized for Thoroughbred racing.
Owned by Godolphin, coached by Bill Mott, and ridden throughout the year by Junior Alvarado, Cody’s Wish and his distinctive story have earned love and admiration that transcends motorsport. . On the track, Cody’s Wish’s 2022 record includes four wins in five starts, including impressive performances at the Big Ass Fans’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) and Forego Stakes (G1). In addition to his racing success, it was his continued connection with 16-year-old Cody Dorman, now living with a rare genetic disorder, that won the hearts of fans and numerous votes from fans. Vox Populi.
In 2018, Dorman, a native of Richmond, Kentucky was invited to tour Godolphin’s Gainsborough Ranch as part of Keeneland’s Wish Fulfillment Day. Dorman’s condition, Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, left him unable to speak and forced him to be confined to a wheelchair. During a visit to Dorman’s ranch, a curious 6-month-old pony walked up to Cody and rested his head on his lap. And with that, the pony was given a name: Cody’s Wish. Nearly four years later, the special bond and sweet interactions between the two continue, including just a few days before this year’s Breeders’ Cup when the now grown and muscular racehorse reconnects with the man. your longtime friend.
Cody Dorman and relationships after winning Breeder’s Cup Dirt Mile at Keeneland with Cody’s Wish
Kate Chenery Tweedy, daughter of Penny Chenery, said: “Cody’s Wish and his nickname Cody Dorman forged an instant bond that would grow to connect millions of fans with the full story. inspired by their hope and determination”. “Cody’s Wish not only won the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, as Cody predicted, but Cody’s also won the hearts of people everywhere. Their uplifting story exemplifies the best ideals of Cody’s. Vox Populi Award, just as Mom wanted.”
Godolphin Farm added: “We at the Godolphin team are delighted that Cody’s Wish was voted by fans as 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 boy, Cody Dorman’s first meeting in 2018 was a miracle, culminating in the star athlete and young man sharing a circle of Breeders’ Cup winners. “
Cody’s wish, by the top male emperor make for curly and get out faucet mare Dance Card, clearly expressing the meaning of vox populi, Latin for “voice of the people.” The Secretariat’s fifth-generation great-grandson has garnered thousands of votes in an online public poll while edging out other candidates in 2022, the undefeated Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Flight route and rich attack 80-1 long-distance winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1).
The nominees for the award are submitted by the Vox Populi Commission, consisting of outstanding individuals inside and outside the racing industry. Voters also have the option of writing their own favorite candidate to recognize other special horses.
Vox Populi trophy ceremony scheduled to take place at Santa Anita . Park January 14.
As the 2022 winner, Cody’s Wish joins the list of famous racing stars who have previously received Vox Populi Awards: Charlie’s Hot Stick (2022), Real (2020), Brick and mortar (2019), winx (2018), Ben’s cat (2017), california chrome (2016 and 2014), American Pharoah (2015), manly man (two thousand and thirteen), payer (2012), Quick navigation (2011), and the first winner Zenyatta (2010).
This press release has been edited by BloodHorse Staff for content and style.
