Sandman horse name, explained: How rock band Metallica, Mariano Rivera inspired moniker for Kentucky Derby racer

Horses running in the Kentucky Derby have the chance to etch their names into the history books, and those names tend to be extremely creative.

Owners name their horses however they choose, giving them the chance to display their inspirations at the highest level. This year, the horse with one of the most interesting names is Sandman, a moniker used in a variety of different industries.

Those tuning into the Kentucky Derby for the first time may be looking for a horse to back based on name alone, and Sandman is likely to be a popular pick for the public. Here's how the horse got its name, and how it already has both a sports and music connection.

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Sandman horse name, explained

Sandman has one of the most familiar names of the horses running in this year's Kentucky Derby, as it has both a sports and music connection.

Jonathan Green, one of Sandman's owners, is a big fan of Hall-of-Fame Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, who famously used "Enter Sandman" when he entered games. Green named the horse Sandman with the hope that the horse can close races like Rivera closed games.

While the horse wasn't directly named for the hit Metallica song, that hasn't stopped the band from supporting the horse. Leading up to the race, the band provided Sandman's team with merchandise.

— Samantha Bussanich (@sbussanich) April 21, 2025

Additionally, Metallica's lead singer, James Hetfield, is attending this year's Derby and decided to visit with Sandman the day before the horse was set to run the race.

James Hetfield 🤝 Sandman pic.twitter.com/mVXwPVkahD

— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 2, 2025

👀 Look who has made it see SANDMAN! @Metallica’s James Hetfield meets the horse inspired by the band’s epic song “Enter Sandman”. @JonGreen2022 @DJ_Stable @markecasse @westpointtbred #KentuckyDerby pic.twitter.com/9M7YJDyMSH

— America'sBestRacing (@ABRLive) May 2, 2025

Sandman Kentucky Derby odds

Sandman has one of the best chances to win the 2025 Kentucky Derby, entering the race with 6-1 odds out of gate No. 17. Only two horses have better odds leading up to the race, as Journalism is the favorite at 3-1 and Sovereignty is right behind at 5-1.