At a Glance
- Diane Crump, first woman to ride professionally in a horse race, died at 77.
- She won 228 races and rode in the 1970 Kentucky Derby.
- Her 1969 ride at Hialeah Park broke gender barriers.
- Why it matters: Her career opened doors for female jockeys worldwide.
Diane Crump, the trailblazing jockey who broke barriers in 1969 and 1970, passed away on Thursday night in hospice care in Winchester, Virginia. The 77-year-old, who won 228 races over nearly three decades, left a legacy that still resonates in the sport.
Early Trailblazing Races
Crump’s first professional race was at Hialeah Park on Feb. 7, 1969, where she rode the 50-to-1 long-shot Bridle ‘n Bit to 10th place. The event saw security guards escort her as male jockeys boycotted the race.
- Security guards protected her as crowds pressed in.
- Twelve jockeys refused to ride; future legends Angel Cordero Jr., Jorge Velasquez and Ron Turcotte were among them.
- The bugler played “Smile for Me, My Diane” instead of the traditional call.
Kentucky Derby and Later Career
In 1970, she became the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby, winning the opening race at Churchill Downs but finishing 15th on Fathom. She would not see another female jockey in the Derby until 14 years later.
- First female jockey in the Derby.
- Won the opening race at Churchill Downs.
- Finished 15th on Fathom.
Legacy and Final Years
After retiring in 1998, Crump settled in Virginia, started a horse-buying and selling business, and used therapy dogs to visit hospitals. Her mottos “Kindness” and “Compassion” were tattooed on her forearms.
Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack, said:
> “Crump will be forever respected and fondly remembered in horse racing lore.”
Chris Goodlett, of the Kentucky Derby Museum, added:
> “Diane Crump’s name stands for courage, grit, and progress. Her determination opened doors for generations of female jockeys and inspired countless others far beyond racing.”
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1969 | First professional race at Hialeah Park |
| 1970 | First female jockey in Kentucky Derby |
| 1998 | Last race before retirement |
| 2023 | Passed away at 77 |
Key Takeaways
- Diane Crump’s pioneering rides broke gender barriers in horse racing.
- She won 228 races and paved the way for future female jockeys.
- Her legacy continues through her business, therapy dog work, and the inspiration she gave to others.
Crump will be cremated and her ashes interred between her parents in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Front Royal, Virginia, closing a remarkable chapter in racing history.
