Have you heard about Sandman, the charming three-year-old colt whose name pays homage to the iconic “Enter Sandman” by Metallica (released in 1991)? Frontman James Hetfield certainly knows about him, having recently visited the adorable horse before it participated in the prestigious Kentucky Derby yesterday. The meeting was nothing short of heartwarming and showcased the unique bond between rock music and the world of horse racing.

Heartwarming Encounter: James Hetfield Meets Sandman

On May 2, a delightful collage featuring Hetfield meeting Sandman was shared by the official America’s Best Racing Instagram account, perfectly set to the iconic tune of “Enter Sandman.” In the images, Hetfield enthusiastically flashes the classic “devil horns” gesture while posing with the horse, creating a truly adorable moment that fans couldn’t help but love. The warmth of their interaction radiated through social media, captivating the hearts of many.

It was no surprise that most Metallica fans were enchanted by the encounter, with one enthusiastic Instagram user commenting on the post: “Well now I love this horse even more! And a grey to win!” This reflects the growing affection for the horse, especially with its unique name and connection to the legendary band.

Another fan chimed in, expressing excitement over the meeting: “Awesome to see Poppa Het was able to meet Sandman. Go baby go.” This illustrates how Hetfield‘s visit resonated with fans, who see the connection between their love for music and the excitement of horse racing.

Of course, a few individuals couldn’t resist making light-hearted comments about Metallica‘s history with legal actions. One user humorously quipped, “Probably there to sue the horse for using the name,” while another joked about the horse possibly having downloaded songs on Napster in the past. These comments highlight the playful side of fan interactions with their favorite artists.

According to Blabbermouth, Sandman was “bred in Kentucky and trained by Mark Casse” and was among the 20 horses anticipated to compete in this year’s Kentucky Derby at the renowned Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville. Notably, Metallica has shown their support for the colt previously by donating shirts for his barn crew, strengthening the connection between the band and the horse.

As reported by The Sporting News, one of Sandman‘s owners, Jonathan Green, chose the name out of admiration for the legendary Hall-of-Fame Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, who famously entered games to the sound of “Enter Sandman.” Green expressed his hope that Sandman can emulate Rivera’s ability to close races with the same skill and finesse.

So, how did Sandman fare in the much-anticipated Kentucky Derby? According to Yahoo! Sports and Bleacher Nation, Sandman finished in 7th place out of 19 competitors, trailing behind impressive horses like Burnham Square, Owen Almighty, Final Gambit, Baeza, Journalism, and Sovereignty, who claimed the victory in 1st place.

But don’t let the placement dampen your spirits, Sandman. To us, you’re still a champion in your own right!

Check out various clips and images from their adorable meeting, along with additional glimpses of Sandman, below.

READ MORE: Metallica Celebrates 1,800 Minutes of ‘Load’ in Extensive Box Set Reissue

Dive Deeper into the Legacy of “Enter Sandman” and Metallica

The track “Enter Sandman,” which serves as both the opener and lead single from Metallica‘s fifth studio album, often referred to as The Black Album, was crafted by James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, and guitarist Kirk Hammett. The song delves into the enigmatic aspects of sleep, particularly focusing on the darker themes of nightmares. Interestingly, Hetfield initially regarded it as “not such a great song,” showcasing the evolution of its perception over time.

Like the album itself, this song marked a significant shift towards more accessible and commercially viable music for Metallica, leading to debates about its pop sensibilities. Despite this, “Enter Sandman” stands out as the band’s most recognizable hit and is heralded as one of the greatest metal songs ever created.

Remarkably, “Enter Sandman” surpassed one billion streams on Spotify in December 2022, a testament to its enduring popularity. It has also been covered by numerous artists, with Ghost notably contributing a rendition for the 2021 tribute album, The Metallica Blacklist, highlighting the song’s wide-ranging influence.

As for Metallica’s recent activities, they kicked off their highly anticipated 2025 tour on April 19 in Syracuse, New York. This tour supports their latest album, 2023’s 72 Seasons, featuring tracks from this release such as “Lux Æterna” and “Screaming Suicide,” alongside iconic classics like “Nothing Else Matters” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Excitingly, the band has also announced a show in a country they have never performed in before!

In a fascinating connection, the song “One” inspired Ryan Coogler’s new film, Sinners, showcasing the cultural impact of Metallica’s music. Additionally, the band has recently revealed plans for an extensive re-release of their 1996 album, Load, which will include live recordings, rough mixes, unreleased demos, and more. This highly anticipated release is set to launch on June 13, and you can preorder it here.