Los Angeles, CA – This past weekend, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and his young son, X Æ A-Xii, affectionately known as “Lil X,” captured public attention with a heartwarming appearance at a horse racing event in sunny Los Angeles. The low-key outing, a rare public moment for the Tesla and SpaceX CEO and his four-year-old son, has sparked widespread interest on social media and beyond. As images of the duo enjoying a day at the races circulated, fans and onlookers alike were charmed by their father-son bonding, while the event itself reignited discussions about Musk’s personal life, his family, and his penchant for unconventional names.
A Day at the Races
The event took place at Santa Anita Park, a historic horse racing venue in Arcadia, just outside Los Angeles. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and scenic backdrop, the racetrack provided the perfect setting for Musk and Lil X to enjoy a relaxed day out. Eyewitnesses reported seeing Musk, dressed casually in a black t-shirt and jeans, carrying his son on his shoulders as they strolled through the crowds. Lil X, sporting a bright blue shirt, appeared curious and engaged, occasionally pointing at the horses or reaching for his father’s sunglasses. The pair was spotted in the stands, watching the races with evident enthusiasm, with Musk reportedly explaining the action to his son in a playful manner.
This public appearance was notable not only for its rarity but also for its contrast to Musk’s typically high-profile engagements. Whether he’s unveiling new Tesla models, launching SpaceX rockets, or making headlines with his political commentary, Musk is rarely seen in such laid-back settings. The sight of the world’s richest man enjoying a simple day at the races with his young son struck a chord with fans, who took to platforms like X to share photos and videos of the moment. One post, captioned “Elon and Lil X: Like Father, Like Son ❤️,” garnered thousands of likes and comments, reflecting the public’s fascination with this tender moment.
Why This Is Trending
The Musk-Lil X outing has trended for several reasons. First, it humanizes a figure often viewed as larger-than-life. Musk, whose net worth is estimated at $424.7 billion by Forbes as of May 2025, is known for his relentless work ethic and ambitious ventures. His role as a father, however, is less frequently in the spotlight. Seeing him prioritize quality time with Lil X resonates with audiences who appreciate glimpses of his personal life. Social media reactions highlighted this sentiment, with one user writing, “It’s refreshing to see Elon as a dad, not just a CEO. Lil X is adorable!”
Second, the event has reignited interest in Musk’s unconventional approach to naming his children. X Æ A-Xii, born in May 2020 to Musk and Canadian musician Grimes, has a name that puzzled and fascinated the public from the start. Originally announced as X Æ A-12, it was adjusted to comply with California’s birth certificate regulations. Musk has explained the name’s pronunciation as “X Ash A Twelve,” with the “A-12” referencing the CIA’s Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance plane, a nod to his aerospace interests. The quirky name, combined with Lil X’s rare public appearances, makes any sighting of him a topic of intrigue.
Third, the horse racing context adds an ironic twist, given Musk’s past comments comparing non-Tesla cars to horses as outdated technology. At a 2019 Tesla Autonomy Investor Day, he famously remarked that owning a non-self-driving car would soon be “like owning a horse.” The humor of Musk attending a horse racing event was not lost on social media users, who shared memes joking about his presence at a venue celebrating an “old-timey mode of transportation.” One post quipped, “Elon at a horse race? Guess he’s checking out the competition!”
Musk’s Family Dynamics
The outing also sheds light on Musk’s complex family life. He has 14 children with four women, including six with his ex-wife Justine Wilson, three with Grimes, and four with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis. His relationship with Grimes, Lil X’s mother, has been particularly scrutinized, with the couple splitting in 2021 but maintaining a co-parenting arrangement. Grimes recently expressed concern about Lil X’s public exposure, stating on X that she prefers to keep their children out of the spotlight. Her comments followed a high-profile appearance by Lil X at the White House in February 2025, where he joined Musk during a press conference with President Donald Trump. The Los Angeles event, while less formal, has sparked similar discussions about the balance between Musk’s public life and his children’s privacy.
Cultural and Social Impact
The Musk-Lil X moment underscores the public’s fascination with celebrity families, particularly those with unconventional dynamics. Musk’s pronatalist views, advocating for higher birth rates to sustain civilization, add another layer to the narrative. His father, Errol Musk, has likened this philosophy to selective breeding in horse racing, a comparison that has stirred debate. The Los Angeles outing, set against this backdrop, highlights the intersection of Musk’s personal choices and public persona.
Moreover, the event reflects Los Angeles’ enduring appeal as a hub for high-profile gatherings. Santa Anita Park, with its storied history and celebrity attendees, is no stranger to such moments. Musk’s presence, alongside other notables reportedly spotted at the event, reinforces the city’s status as a place where business, entertainment, and family life converge.
Conclusion
Elon Musk and Lil X’s day at the Los Angeles horse racing event was more than just a father-son outing; it was a snapshot of a billionaire navigating fame, family, and public perception. As images of their bond continue to circulate, they remind us that even the world’s most influential figures find joy in simple moments. Whether it’s the charm of Lil X’s antics, the irony of Musk at a horse race, or the glimpse into his private life, this story has captured hearts and headlines alike. As one X user put it, “Elon and Lil X at the races? That’s the kind of unexpected we love.”
