Cody's Wish

Paul K Halloran

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Book cover for Cody's Wish
Image for variant 9781493095353
Book cover for Cody's Wish
Image for variant 9781493095353

Cody's Wish

Cody's Wish

Paul K Halloran

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Description

When Cody Dorman was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, his parents were told he wouldn't live past his second birthday. Yet he beat the odds over and over. In 2018, at age thirteen, he was introduced to a five-month-old Thoroughbred foal through Make-A-Wish. There was an instant connection between the two, one so impactful that the owners named the young racehorse Cody's Wish. Cody traveled to racetracks around the country to watch "his" horse run, including thrilling victories in a 2022 Breeders' Cup Race at Keeneland and a 2023 race at Santa Anita. 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.

About the Author

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.

Critical Reviews

"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

"This book will make you weep, cheer, smile and weep again. It contains a story you will not soon forget."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"'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."

"This book will make you weep, cheer, smile and weep again. It contains a story you will not soon forget."

Publishing Information

Publisher: Lyons Press
Pub date: 2026-05-05
Length: 208 pages

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