Diane Crump, the first woman to ride as a professional jockey in the United States, has died at the age of 77. She had been receiving palliative care since October last year after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. She was moved to a hospice on New Year's Eve and died peacefully the following day, surrounded by friends and family.
Her daughter, Della Payne, announced the news, saying: 'Mom passed away peacefully tonight. She ended her life surrounded by friends and family. Thank you for being the best support system. We have been truly blessed by your generosity and kindness. I hope my mom's legacy of following dreams and helping others continues through those that were touched by her amazing life.'
Crump faced outright hostility and rampant sexism to pursue her dream of becoming a jockey in the 1960s. She needed a police escort to walk through the crowds when she made her debut in Florida in 1969. The following year, she became the first female jockey to ride in the Kentucky Derby, finishing 15th of 17. She retired in 1999 with a career total of 235 wins.
Crump remained active in the horse industry until her health deteriorated. Her daughter launched a fundraiser to help with care costs, describing her mother as having 'an extraordinary life - one marked by courage, compassion, and a trailblazing spirit'.
