This week, the horse racing community mourned the loss of Diane Crump, a trailblazer who made history as the first female professional jockey in the United States. Crump passed away at the age of 77 on New Year’s Day after a battle with glioblastoma, a deadly brain tumor, throughout 2025. Her family had been fundraising through GoFundMe to cover her medical expenses.
Diane Crump broke barriers in 1969 when she became the first woman to compete as a professional jockey, during a time when women were often barred from racing and, in some states, even from holding jockey licenses. Just two weeks after her debut, she secured her first race win. In 1970, Crump made history again by becoming the first female jockey to participate in the Kentucky Derby, finishing 15th out of 17 riding Top Fathom, and also winning an undercard race on Derby Day.
Crump continued racing into her early 50s, accumulating over 220 career wins. Her pioneering spirit earned her widespread recognition, with the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs publicly expressing their condolences and honoring her impact on the sport. Crump’s courage paved the way for future generations of female jockeys, who remain a minority but have continued to make strides. Since her Derby ride in 1970, five other women have competed in the Kentucky Derby, including notable jockey Rosie Napravnik, who achieved the best finish for a female jockey by placing fifth in 2013.
The horse racing world extends heartfelt sympathies to Crump’s family and loved ones.
Fan Take: Diane Crump’s groundbreaking career shattered gender barriers and opened doors for future female jockeys in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Her legacy reminds horse racing fans that bravery and perseverance can reshape the sport’s future, inspiring more diversity and inclusion in the racing industry.
