Viewers left ‘speechless’ as TikTok influencer Alix Earle causes a stir at the races

TIKTOK influencer Alix Earle left viewers ‘speechless’ with her surprise appearance at the Pegasus World Cup.

The social media sensation, who boasts more than 6million followers on the video sharing site, performed the traditional ‘riders up’ call at one of America’s biggest races.

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Alix stole the show at the races in the US – but punters were not entirely sold on the big role she was given[/caption]

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All eyes were on the social media sensation as she performed the traditional call[/caption]

National Treasure was a brilliant winner of the Grade 1 dirt contest – landing £1.4million for connections and trainer Bob Baffert.

While Frankie Dettori was an honourable third on 34-1 outsider Crupi, one spot behind Todd Fincher’s Senor Buscador.

But most of the chat after the star-studded meeting at Gulfstream Park in Miami centred on Alix – and whether or not it was good to have her promoting racing.

One said: “So many people get in a twist over this topic but Alix Earle could be so good for racing – one of the biggest influencers in the country right now!”

Another commented: “Go girl! Glad to have you! Welcome to horse racing!”

While one viewer wrote: “It’s great marketing. Reaching a potential new audience.”

But others were less enthusiastic.

One grumbled: “I have zero clue who she is. Nor do I have any interest in what she allegedly influences.”

And another comment read: “It’s desperate and pathetic.”

A few joked it would be good to have her on ITV Racing while one joked: “Can she come to Kempton on Saturday night?”

Alix, who dates NFL star Braxton Berrios, has more than 3million views of her Pegasus videos since posting them over the weekend.

And her involvement in racing comes at the same time that billionaire owner Mike Repole has called on the sport to embrace Barstool Sports owner Dave Portnoy.

The social media boss has 3million X followers and suggested in a message he should be used to promote the sport – but instead gets ‘completely ignored’.

That prompted Repole, who set up Glaceau drinks before selling it to Coca Cola, to post a photo of himself and Portnoy.

He wrote alongside the snap: “Your influence in a sport that you truly are passionate about and love would be a game changer for the industry.

“The ability and impact to attract the 15-40 year old consumer would be massive.

“As an added bonus it could eliminate the snowflakes in the sport.

“The future New Guard of horse racing.”

Much like Royal Ascot here boasts a star-studded list of celebrity racegoers, so the Pegasus does in the States.

Ivana Knoll, famous for her exploits at the World Cup, was another to attend, while Calvin Harris played a DJ set afterwards.

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Ivana was another star of social media who graced the walkway at the Pegasus[/caption]

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