At a Glance
- Diane Crump, pioneering jockey, dies at 77.
- Diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer in October, passed Thursday night in hospice in Winchester, VA.
- She won 228 races and was the first woman to ride professionally in 1969 and the first female jockey in the 1970 Kentucky Derby.
- Why it matters: Her trailblazing career opened doors for women in horse racing and her legacy continues to inspire.
Veteran jockey Diane Crump, who broke gender barriers in the sport, passed away at 77 after a battle with aggressive brain cancer. Her death comes as the 2024 Kentucky Derby approaches, reminding fans of her historic impact.
Trailblazing Career
In 1969, Diane Crump became the first woman to ride professionally in a horse race when she competed at Hialeah Park in Florida. The race was marked by security guards and a crowd, as 12 of the original jockeys refused to ride. She finished 10th on the 50-1 longshot Bridle ‘n Bit, breaking the barrier for women in racing.
A month later, Bridle ‘n Bit gave Crump her first victory at Gulfstream Park. In 1970 she made history again by becoming the first female jockey in the Kentucky Derby, winning the first race of the day at Churchill Downs but finishing 15th on Fathom. It would be 14 years before another woman rode in the Derby.
- 1969 – First professional female rider at Hialeah Park
- 1970 – First female jockey in the Kentucky Derby
- 1998 – Last race, 30 years after her debut
- 2024 – Kentucky Derby approaches, remembering her legacy
Legacy and Tributes
Her impact was honored by racing officials. Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack, said:
> “Crump will be forever respected and fondly remembered in horse racing lore.”
Chris Goodlett said:
> “Diane Crump’s name stands for courage, grit, and progress.”
After retiring, Crump settled in Virginia and started a business helping people buy and sell horses. She also brought her Dachshund therapy dogs to hospitals, visiting patients with chronic illnesses for years. Her daughter, Della Payne, recalled that her mother was a quasi-famous figure in the medical center and that she never took “no” for an answer.
In her later years, Crump had the words “Kindness” and “Compassion” tattooed on her forearms. She will be cremated and her ashes interred between her parents in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Front Royal, Virginia.
Key Takeaways
- She broke gender barriers in horse racing, becoming the first woman to ride professionally and in the Kentucky Derby.
- Her 228-race career and courageous spirit opened doors for future female jockeys.
- She passed away at 77 after a battle with aggressive brain cancer, leaving a lasting legacy.
Crump’s life, marked by courage and perseverance, left an indelible mark on horse racing and beyond.
