Diane Crump, the pioneering female jockey who broke barriers by becoming the first woman to ride professionally in a horse race in 1969 and the first female jockey in the Kentucky Derby in 1970, has passed away at the age of 77. Crump, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in October, died in hospice care in Winchester, Virginia, as confirmed by her daughter, Della Payne.
Throughout her career, Crump achieved remarkable success, winning a total of 228 races before retiring from racing in 1998, just before her 50th birthday. Her groundbreaking debut as a jockey at Hialeah Park in Florida on February 7, 1969, faced numerous challenges, with male jockeys boycotting or threatening to boycott races if women were allowed to compete.
Despite these obstacles, Crump persevered, and her historic ride paved the way for other female jockeys to enter the sport. Her participation in the Kentucky Derby in 1970 further solidified her legacy, although she finished 15th out of 17 on her mount, Fathom.
Reflecting on Crump’s impact, Mike Anderson, the president of Churchill Downs, praised her as a trailblazer in the horse racing community. Chris Goodlett from the Kentucky Derby Museum highlighted Crump’s legacy of courage, grit, and progress, emphasizing her role in inspiring future generations of female jockeys.
After retiring from racing, Crump settled in Virginia, where she dedicated her time to helping others buy and sell horses. Additionally, she brought joy to patients in hospitals by visiting them with her therapy dogs, showcasing her compassionate nature and dedication to those in need.
Crump’s indomitable spirit and determination were evident throughout her life, from her early days as a jockey to her later acts of kindness and service. Her legacy will endure, with her ashes set to be interred alongside her parents at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Front Royal, Virginia.