Diane Crump

Diane Crump
Born 1948
Nationality American
Occupation Jockey
Horse trainer
Known for First woman to ride in a professional horse race in the United States

Diane Crump (born 1948) is an American jockey and horse trainer. On February 7, 1969, Crump became the first woman to ride in a professional race in the United States.[1] Her participation in the event was so contested that she required a full police escort through the crowds at the Hialeah Park Race Track.[1] In a 2012 interview, Crump described what arriving at the race was like:

"The crowd was just swarming all over me. They were crazy, up in arms. . .The hecklers were yelling: 'Go back to the kitchen and cook dinner.' That was the mentality at the time. They thought I was going to be the downfall of the whole sport, which is such a medieval thought. I was like: 'Come on people, this is the 1960s!'"[1]

Crump ultimately finished 10th in the 12-horse race.[2]

In 1970, she became the first female jockey to ride in the Kentucky Derby.[3] Crump and her horse, Fathom, came in 15th in a 17-horse race.[4][5] By the time she ended her racing career in 1985, she had ridden to 235 wins.[2]

On February 1, 1989, Crump suffered a broken leg, ankle and ribs from a riding accident and was hospitalized for ten days.[2]


References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 McKenzie, Sheena. "Jockey who refused to stay in the kitchen". CNN.com. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Christine, Bill. "SAD ANNIVERSARY : 20 Years After Making Racing History, Jockey Diane Crump Is Injured in Fall". LA Times. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  3. Thompson, Hunter (June 4, 1970). "The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved". Scanlan's Monthly 1 (4). Retrieved 16 July 2013.
  4. "Diane Crump". A+E Networks. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
  5. Landeman, Brian. "Diane Crump reflects on her Derby day". ESPNW. Retrieved March 13, 2015.