There aren’t many people in the world who haven’t heard of Metallica. Among the pioneers of modern heavy metal, Metallica’s sound defined 80s metal, and their legacy continues to inspire every generation of metal musicians who came after. But you may be thinking: What does the iconic metal band have to do with horse racing, or Sandman, who’s gearing up to race at the Preakness Stakes? Well, if you haven’t figured it out yet, the link is in the name.
One of Metallica’s most famous songs is called ‘Enter Sandman’, and it turns out the band is a big fan of the three-year-old grey colt who bears the name. “Hey there! We’re Metallica! We’re excited to cheer on the people’s horse, Sandman,” said frontman James Hetfield, with his bandmates standing next to him as they wished the best of luck to Sandman and his team. However, that’s not all that Metallica did. In fact, Hetfield indirectly helped Sandman’s trainer, Mark Casse, earn a truly unusual gift ahead of the Preakness.
Metallica also sent over t-shirts for Casse and Co. to wear on race day. “Metallica would like to wish Sandman and his awesome team good luck for a safe and winning trip at Preakness 150. Enter Sandman!” the band added. What’s unusual about Metallica merch, you ask? Well, there isn’t. It’s what Preakness Stakes contender’s trainer got after he got a friend a hat signed by James Hetfield that was unusual.
Mark Casse’s friend didn’t want him to leave empty-handed after getting the hat signed on his behalf. So what did Sandman’s trainer get in return? Underwear with Metallica logos. And guess what? Mark Casse will be wearing every piece of Metallica clothing on Saturday. “I will be wearing them. There’ll be no stone unturned,” said Casse as per Associated Press writer Stephen Whyno.
Let’s do this Sandman, from @Metallica for the @PreaknessStakes. pic.twitter.com/m4It1hFdFM
— West Point Tbred (@westpointtbred) May 16, 2025
Yet, what’s truly unique about Sandman’s name is that it originally had nothing to do with the metal gods. You see, Sandman’s owner, Jonathan Green, named his horse after former New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera, as per Sporting News. Rivera used the phrase “Enter Sandman” when entering games. Green hopes his horse would “close races like Rivera closed games.”
What’s more? Rivera said he “didn’t care about the song” in a 2011 interview with MLB.com while discussing the Yankees playing the song for him during the 1999 MLB season. Yet, this fact never stopped Metallica from supporting the gray colt.
Not the first time Metallica has shown up for Sandman
Frontman James Hetfield even visited Sandman when he raced at this year’s Kentucky Derby. “Sandman has some pretty famous fans!” the Derby page wrote while posting an image of Hetfield with Sandman. And yes, Hetfield came bearing gifts during the Kentucky Derby, too. “Shout out to Metallica for outfitting the Casse barn with merch!” they added.
Unfortunately, Sandman couldn’t quite make a mark at the Kentucky Derby. The $1.5 million Arkansas Derby winner got a clean start but couldn’t keep pace with the likes of Sovereignty, Journalism, Final Gambit, and others in the closing stages. While the colt had no problem closing on the dirt track in Arkansas, he faded on the muddy Churchill Downs track.
Credits: Instagram/Preakness Stakes
While the Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty has pulled out of the race, Journalism will run. Legendary trainer Bob Baffert has also entered his inexperienced but undefeated horse, Goal Oriented. Meanwhile, fellow Derby competitor American Prime will also challenge Sandman at Preakness 150. That being said, Mark Casse is more confident about the race at Pimlico.
Assistant Trainer “Allen Hardy, who’s been with me for 15 years and knows (Sandman) well, was telling me, ‘Mark, he’s better than before the Derby,’” said Casse. However, only time will tell if all the Metallica merch and the band’s support will be the lucky charm that pushes Sandman to victory.
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