Diane Crump, the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby, passes away at 77

Diane Crump Passes at 77

Diane Crump, who made history as the first female jockey to compete in the Kentucky Derby, has died at the age of 77. Her daughter Della Payne shared that Crump, diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor in October, passed away on Thursday night while in hospice care in Winchester, Virginia.

Crump broke barriers in 1969 when she became the first woman to ride professionally in horse racing, followed by her appearance at the Kentucky Derby the next year. Interestingly, it took another 14 years before a second woman entered that prestigious race.

Since Crump’s groundbreaking entry, only four other women have participated in the Derby. By the time she retired after her last race in 1998, she had won a total of 228 races. That last race came almost 30 years after her pioneering ride at Hialeah Park in Florida.

She was among several women who bravely fought for their jockey licenses during a time when male jockeys sometimes boycotted races that included women. Crump’s determination and success helped open doors for future female jockeys.

Churchill Downs President Mike Anderson reflected on Crump, stating that she “will forever be revered and fondly remembered in the lore of horse racing.” He noted her lifelong passion, having ridden since she was just five years old.

Chris Goodlett from the Kentucky Derby Museum highlighted that Crump’s legacy represents courage and progress, inspiring many female jockeys and women in general.

After retiring from racing, Crump settled in Virginia where she started a business to help people buy and sell horses. In her later years, she often visited hospitals with her therapy dogs, spreading joy and companionship to those in need. Her daughter mentioned that Crump was already somewhat of a “semi-celebrity” at her assisted living facility, due to her frequent visits there over the years.

Payne described her mother as someone who never took “no” for an answer, emphasizing that Crump stayed true to her commitments. To memorialize her values, she had the words “Kindness” and “Compassion” tattooed on her arms.