Metallica’s James Hetfield Meets Sandman: The Colt Inspired by a Classic Hit
Have you heard about Sandman, the three-year-old colt whose name was partially inspired by “Enter Sandman,” the iconic Metallica song from 1991? Recently, frontman James Hetfield paid a visit to the horse, named after the legendary Metallica hit, before it competed in the Kentucky Derby. The encounter was nothing short of adorable.
Details of Their Meeting
On May 2, the official America’s Best Racing Instagram account shared a delightful collage showcasing Hetfield’s visit with Sandman, perfectly set to the tune of “Enter Sandman.” In the photos, Hetfield strikes a pose with the horse while flashing the classic “devil horns,” capturing the heartwarming spirit of their meeting.
Fans of Metallica couldn’t help but express their affection for the charming duo, with one Instagram user commenting, “Well now I love this horse even more! And a grey to win!” Another follower enthusiastically added, “Awesome to see Poppa Het was able to meet Sandman. Go baby go!”
However, some couldn’t resist taking light-hearted jabs at Metallica’s history of legal actions. One user quipped, “Probably there to sue the horse for using the name,” while another joked, “Wonder if [Hetfield] knows that horse downloaded songs in Napster in the past.”
About Sandman
According to Blabbermouth, Sandman was bred in Kentucky and trained by Mark Casse, making him one of the 20 horses expected to enter the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville. Notably, Metallica has previously supported Sandman’s team by donating shirts for the colt’s barn crew.
The name “Sandman” was chosen by one of the horse’s owners, Jonathan Green, who is a huge fan of Hall-of-Fame Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. Rivera famously used “Enter Sandman” as his entrance song, which inspired Green to hope that Sandman could close races just as Rivera closed out games.
Sandman’s Performance in the Kentucky Derby
How did Sandman fare during the Kentucky Derby? According to reports from Yahoo! Sports and Bleacher Nation, Sandman finished in 7th place out of 19 competitors, falling short against horses such as Burnham Square, Owen Almighty, and the winner, Sovereignty.
Despite the outcome, fans and supporters still believe Sandman is a winner in spirit!
More About “Enter Sandman” and Metallica
“Enter Sandman,” the lead single from Metallica’s self-titled fifth studio album, often referred to as The Black Album, was co-written by Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, and guitarist Kirk Hammett. The song explores the themes of sleep and nightmares, and initially, Hetfield was skeptical about its potential success.
While the song marked a shift towards a more commercially accessible sound for Metallica, it quickly became their most recognized track and is regarded as one of the greatest metal songs of all time. In fact, “Enter Sandman” surpassed one billion streams on Spotify in December 2022 and has been covered by numerous artists, including Ghost for the 2021 tribute album, The Metallica Blacklist.
Metallica’s Recent Activities
Metallica recently kicked off their 2025 tour on April 19 in Syracuse, New York, as part of their ongoing promotion for their latest album, 2023’s 72 Seasons. The setlist featured tracks from the new album, including “Lux Æterna” and “Screaming Suicide,” alongside classic hits like “Nothing Else Matters” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” The band also announced a show in a country they have never performed in before.
Additionally, they recently revealed an extensive re-release of their 1996 album Load, which will include live recordings, rough mixes, unreleased demos, and more, scheduled for release on June 13.
Conclusion
James Hetfield’s meeting with Sandman, the colt inspired by one of Metallica’s most beloved songs, highlights the unique intersection of music and sports. While Sandman may not have clinched victory at the Kentucky Derby, the connection to Metallica and the joy it brought fans is a win in itself. Whether on the racetrack or the stage, both Sandman and Metallica continue to capture the hearts of their supporters.
FAQs
Who is Sandman?
Sandman is a three-year-old colt whose name is inspired by Metallica’s hit song “Enter Sandman.” He recently competed in the Kentucky Derby.
Why did they name the horse Sandman?
One of Sandman’s owners, Jonathan Green, is a fan of Mariano Rivera, who used “Enter Sandman” as his entrance song when pitching for the Yankees. Green hopes Sandman can “close races” like Rivera closed games.
How did Sandman perform in the Kentucky Derby?
Sandman finished in 7th place out of 19 horses at the Kentucky Derby.
What is “Enter Sandman” about?
“Enter Sandman” explores themes of sleep and nightmares and is considered one of Metallica’s most popular songs, marking a significant change in their musical style.
What are Metallica’s current activities?
Metallica is currently on their tour supporting their latest album, 72 Seasons, and has announced a re-release of their 1996 album Load coming out on June 13.
