Honoring Diane Crump: First Female Jockey in Kentucky Derby

About the Guest(s):

Diane Crump was a trailblazing female jockey renowned for breaking gender barriers in the world of horse racing. Notably, she was the first female jockey to ride in the Kentucky Derby in 1970. A year earlier, at just 20 years of age, she made history by becoming the first woman to compete in a sanctioned pari-mutuel horse race in the United States. Crump's career was distinguished not just by her pioneering status but also by her passion and resilience in overcoming skepticism and sexism in a male-dominated sport.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "Kentucky Sports Memories," Gary Fogle revisits an iconic figure in sports history, Diane Crump, who recently passed away at age 77. Diane Crump holds the distinction of being the first female jockey to compete in the Kentucky Derby in 1970, a monumental achievement in the world of horse racing. Through a retrospective lens, Fogle explores Crump's journey and legacy, remembering her pioneering spirit and the significant barriers she overcame.

Diane Crump's story is not just about her events but also about the cultural shift she helped pioneer in horse racing. Despite criticism and derogatory remarks from fans and media doubting her capabilities, Crump's determination shone through. Reflecting on her historic derby ride, Crump vividly recounts the memories and emotions that marked her milestone achievement, highlighting the indomitable spirit that characterized her career. This episode also shares a fascinating account of a match race in Puerto Rico, underscoring the surprising, competitive environment Crump navigated and conquered.

Key Takeaways:

• Diane Crump made history as the first female jockey in the Kentucky Derby in 1970 and the first female to ride in a sanctioned pari-mutuel race in the U.S. in 1969.

• Despite experiencing negative reactions from fans and the press, Crump remained undeterred, demonstrating her love for horse racing and her commitment to forging a new path for women.

• Crump's participation in a match race in Puerto Rico revealed the intense competition and occasional foul play she faced, illustrating her resilience and courage.

• The significance of Crump's groundbreaking achievements showcased women's capabilities in competing at the highest levels of horse racing, ushering in greater respect for female riders.

• Gary Fogle's interview with Crump in 2020 highlights her personal anecdotes and reflections, enriching the narrative of her pioneering contributions to sports.

Notable Quotes:

• "I think it made people recognize that women were capable of riding at that level." – Diane Crump

• "When they play My Old Kentucky Home, it changes everything." – Diane Crump

• "I just loved it. I loved races, I loved riding horses, and I wanted to be a jockey." – Diane Crump

• "We were like a hand-to-fist fight... pulling reins... an experience I never thought would happen, but it did." – Diane Crump

• "The crowd had seen what was happening and they were up in arms against him, and the women were, like, hollering and screaming at him." – Diane Crump

Resources:

• Watson's Home Furnishings - The advertisement sponsor mentioned during the episode.

• Diane Crump, known for her pioneering endeavors in horse racing.

Listen to the full episode to discover an engaging narrative of pioneering efforts, resilience against challenging norms, and Diane Crump's inspiring legacy in horse racing. Stay tuned for more insightful content from "Kentucky Sports Memories."