Diane Crump, a pioneering female jockey who broke gender barriers in American horse racing, has died at 77 after battling brain cancer. In 1969, she became the first woman to compete professionally in a U.S. horse race, facing significant hostility and resistance, including from male jockeys and spectators. A year later, she made history again as the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer who challenged the sport’s male dominance.

Throughout her career, Crump achieved over 200 wins and helped shift attitudes toward women in racing, paving the way for future female jockeys. After retiring from full-time riding, she remained active in the industry as a trainer and equine sales business owner, and later volunteered in animal-assisted therapy. Her contributions are honored at the Kentucky Derby Museum, and her legacy endures as a symbol of perseverance and progress in a traditionally male sport.