Sandman Horse: A Rising Star in the 2025 Preakness Stakes
The excitement around the Sandman horse has swept through the horse racing world, especially as the 2025 Preakness Stakes brings the nation's attention to Baltimore. Sandman’s compelling journey—from a social media sensation to an elite Thoroughbred competitor—demonstrates the powerful intersection of tradition and new-age fandom. In this article, we explore the Sandman horse’s racing record, cultural influence, and what fans can expect in the coming Triple Crown races.
Sandman Horse: From Kentucky Derby to Preakness Stardom
Sandman burst onto the national stage during the 2025 Kentucky Derby, thanks in part to his part-owner Griffin Johnson—a popular social media influencer. Johnson’s engaging online updates drew millions of new fans to Sandman and to horse racing itself. Despite finishing seventh in the Derby, Sandman secured a place in the public’s heart and set the stage for redemption at the Preakness Stakes.
The CBS Sports Sandman Profile dives deep into Sandman’s career statistics. With 9 starts, 3 wins, and over $1.2 million in career earnings, his record speaks to both talent and potential. Sandman's best performance, a late-charging win at the Arkansas Derby, showcased his powerful closing speed. Racing fans and bettors are eager to see if he can repeat that winning form at Pimlico.
The Preakness Stakes 2025: Sandman Among the Elite
This year’s Preakness Stakes featured a strong field of nine top three-year-olds, with Sandman among the betting favorites. According to CBS News’ race overview, Sandman entered the race with 4-1 odds—second only to the favorite, Journalism. Notably, Sandman was one of just two horses in the Preakness field who also ran in the Kentucky Derby, adding to his competitive résumé.
Under jockey John Velazquez and trainer Mark Casse, Sandman carried the hopes of both longtime horseplayers and first-time fans. His striking gray coat and resilient running style stood out in a talented field that included horses trained by legends like Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher. Sandman’s presence in consecutive Triple Crown races cements his status as a star.
The Social Media Revolution: Sandman’s Impact Beyond the Track
What truly sets the Sandman horse apart is his influence beyond the winner’s circle. Griffin Johnson, leveraging his audience of over 14 million followers, has taken Sandman’s story viral. His behind-the-scenes videos and genuine passion for the sport have made horse racing accessible to a younger audience. As detailed in this BloodHorse feature, Johnson’s efforts brought record social media engagement and drove up viewership for the Kentucky Derby telecast.
Sandman’s story is more than just race results. It’s a case study in how digital engagement can breathe new life into a tradition-laden sport. For many fans, Sandman isn’t only a contender—he’s an entry point to the excitement and community of Thoroughbred racing.
What’s Next for Sandman?
As Sandman’s Triple Crown journey continues, his team looks forward to future races and, eventually, life after the track. Both Johnson and trainer Mark Casse have expressed commitment to showcasing the aftercare and versatility of retired Thoroughbreds. Whether Sandman secures a classic win or not, his legacy as a fan favorite and ambassador for racing is already secure.
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Sandman Horse
The Sandman horse represents more than just speed and stamina—he embodies the blending of modern influence and racing tradition. With new fans, a dedicated team, and memorable performances, Sandman has carved out a unique role in Thoroughbred history. As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Sandman, waiting to see what this remarkable athlete and his community will accomplish next.
For more in-depth stats and analysis, don’t miss the Sandman profile at CBS Sports. To explore the full roster of 2025 Preakness horses, check out CBS News’ coverage. Learn about Griffin Johnson’s vision and Sandman’s cultural impact in this BloodHorse article.