Diane Crump, the pioneering female jockey who broke barriers as the first woman to race professionally in the U.S. in 1969 and the first to ride in the Kentucky Derby in 1970, has died at age 77 from an aggressive brain cancer. Over her career, she won 228 races, including 79 at Churchill Downs, and remained deeply involved in the horse industry after retiring from racing, running Diane Crump Equine Sales to connect buyers and owners in the sporthorse world.

Crump’s historic achievements paved the way for only a few other female riders in the Kentucky Derby since her groundbreaking run. She is remembered as an iconic trailblazer who fulfilled her childhood dreams and earned lasting respect in horse racing history. Churchill Downs and the racing community have expressed condolences, honoring her legacy as a beloved figure who helped transform the sport for women.