Diane Crump, a pioneering figure in horse racing and the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby, passed away on January 1, 2026, at the age of 77 after a battle with glioblastoma, a form of aggressive brain cancer. Her family announced her death via social media, and she spent her final days in Virginia under palliative care, supported by a GoFundMe campaign aimed at covering her medical expenses.
Crump was a trailblazer in the sport, making history in 1969 when she became the first female jockey to race professionally in the United States. The following year, on May 2, 1970, she rode in the 96th Kentucky Derby aboard a horse named Fathom, finishing in 15th place. Over her impressive career, she won a total of 228 races, contributing significantly to the evolution of women’s roles in horse racing.
Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs, referred to Crump as an “iconic trailblazer,” noting her significant achievements in a statement released on January 2. “As the first female to ride professionally at a major Thoroughbred racetrack and to compete in the Kentucky Derby, she will forever be respected and fondly remembered,” he said, expressing condolences to her family and friends.
In a reflective interview conducted for the 50th anniversary of her Kentucky Derby ride, Crump expressed gratitude for her place in history, despite not winning the Derby. “I had nothing, and I’m in the history books… because I never stopped following what I loved,” she remarked.
Crump’s journey in horse racing began on a Florida horse farm, where she learned to care for horses before stepping into the role of a jockey. Her first professional race took place at Hialeah Park Race Track, where she faced challenges and setbacks but ultimately achieved her first victory at Gulfstream Park just a month later.
Notably, it would take another 14 years after Crump’s Derby participation for the next woman to ride in the race. Since then, only a handful of other female jockeys have followed in her footsteps.
Beyond her racing career, Crump transitioned to equine sales approximately 25 years ago and collaborated with author Mark Shrager to share her life story in the book “Diane Crump: A Horse Racing Pioneer’s Life in the Saddle.” She is also celebrated in the Kentucky Derby Museum’s “Right to Ride” exhibit, which highlights the contributions of women in horse racing.
Chris Goodlett, a senior director at the Kentucky Derby Museum, emphasized Crump’s legacy of courage and achievement, stating that her determination opened doors for future generations of female jockeys. Her story is one of resilience and love for the sport, which resonates with many beyond the racing community.
Through her words, Crump often shared a philosophy rooted in faith, expressing that dreams are divinely inspired and achievable with persistence. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for countless aspiring athletes and continues to impact the sport of horse racing positively.