When you started taking riding lessons, did you know it would lead you to a career as a race-horse jockey?
I really never took many lessons! I fell in love with horses as a little girl when I was 4. It was at a carnival with pony rides. I was hooked from that moment on. When I was 7 my parents got me a package of riding lessons for 8 weeks. That was the total extent of my riding lessons. Whenever possible my Mom would take me to a livery stable to ride for an hour on Saturdays. But I knew from the start that I just wanted to ride horses!
A female jockey was unheard of when you rode, were there any mentors that encouraged you to continue?
I will say that I was totally self-motivated when it came to trying to become a jockey. I didn’t really have a mentor. I just had a dream that I wouldn’t let die!
As the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby, what was it like to see reactions, including a full police escort from the crowds?
I’m the kind of person that doesn’t really pay attention to what others say or think. Of course I heard the noise and read the press, but I never paid attention to it. I was just thrilled to finally be able to get to ride in races. I was always ready for the fanfare to be over, but I was able to tune it all out and concentrate on what I loved, riding races!
Were there any horses that you rode or races that were particularly meaningful?
I rode a lot of horses that I truly loved. Some of my favorites were Delta Sal who was a super sprinter on the grass and beat the boys several times. There was a horse that I won 4 in a row on and set a track record at Ellis Park. His name was Stubilem and he was a lot of fun. I loved Fathom the horse that I rode in the Derby and my favorite race was a stakes race at Woodbine in Canada. It was a 2-year filly named Subdeb. We shipped her up there from Churchill Downs and she won in a 3 horse photo. That was pretty exciting. Those were just a few that were memorable to me.
A jockey’s life is incredibly exciting, and at the same time, extremely dangerous.
I loved racehorses and riding races more than anything in the world (at that time at least)! The danger part never crossed my mind!
Statistics show 80 percent of horse riders are women, the Jockey’s Guild reports only 8 percent of 1,500 jockeys are women. Why aren’t there more female jockeys today?
I guess I can’t explain the numbers. It’s a sport of passion and a total commitment of time, travel and self-discipline. The women that do ride races are very good and dedicated to the sport. I don’t know why there aren’t more. But I am grateful that if any girl has the desire to become a jockey that opportunity is there without a fight! The door is open and the path is now clear!
Your book shares personal and inspirational stories on your unique career in racing? Why did you decide to write it now?
I felt that God wanted me to tell my story. I had thought about it for quite a while and after many prayers and contemplation I knew the time had come. I decided that it was a story that could bring hope and give people inspiration to follow their dreams.
Are you still involved with horses?
My business in Equine Sales, which is exactly like a real estate company only for horses. I go see the horses that are for sale, watch them go, take pictures and videos and advertise them on my website. My site is Diane Crump Equine Sales and it keeps me totally involved in the horse world which I love!
