Metallica supports Sandman as he heads to the Preakness Stakes

In the United States, on May 17, 2025, a significant event took place involving a horse named Sandman and the famous rock band Metallica. Mark Casse, who had not previously been a fan of the band, became personally connected to them as he started training Sandman, a horse named after Metallica's song 'Enter Sandman.' Prior to the Preakness Stakes, held at Pimlico Race Track in Baltimore, James Hetfield, the front man of Metallica, met the horse at Churchill Downs, which set off a wave of excitement among fans and the racing community. Hetfield and the band members took the initiative to send a video message wishing good luck to Sandman and his team, underscoring their support for this underdog contender in the prestigious horse race. Sandman, who had an unfortunate run in the Kentucky Derby, finishing seventh, faced challenges during that race due to unfavorable conditions. Casse described how the horse had difficulty feeling comfortable as he was caught in the mud kicked up by the other competitors, which obscured his chances of a good run. In light of these difficulties, there was hope that in the Preakness Stakes, the conditions would be markedly improved, allowing Sandman to perform better. While Sandman is viewed as a compelling contender, there is also considerable attention on the other horses participating in the race, notably a horse named Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy. With a projected morning line of 8-5 odds, Journalism is one of the key favorites in the race. The event continued to stir interest and speculation within the racing circles, particularly as predictions based on artificial intelligence were introduced for the first time by the race's organizers, providing a unique take on the horse racing analysis. The presence of powerful celebrities, such as a rock band, intertwined with the traditional aura of horse racing, demonstrates an evolving landscape where sports and pop culture meet. As the anticipation built up for the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, the mixture of celebrity endorsement and the inherent unpredictability of the race provided an engaging context for horse racing fans and casual observers alike. The personal touch brought by Metallica’s message to Sandman further fueled the excitement for this storied event. Ultimately, the significance of the Preakness Stakes represents not only a test of speed and endurance for the horses but also a spotlight on the many stories and connections forming around the celebration of this time-honored tradition.