On February 7, 1969, Diane Crump became the first woman to compete as a professional jockey in a pari-mutuel race in the United States. She rode a horse named Bridle ‘n Bit at Hialeah Park Race Track. There was so much hostility to a woman riding in a horse race that she needed a police escort to get to the track, taking her through an angry crowd of shouting people. Crump ultimately finished 9th in the 12-horse race and returned to cheers of support. Crump reflects on that experience, recalling that her excitement surrounding this incredible opportunity enabled her to ignore the toxic environment of the crowd and aggressively negative attitudes of the male jockey’s, trainers and owners. Two weeks later, Crump rode her first winning race.
While Crump was riding some races in the United States, she was also receiving invitations to ride in Puerto Rico and Venezuela. In the early 1970s Crump competed in a two horse race in Puerto Rico which lacked the same rule structure as American racing. During the race, she realized the male jockey behind her was holding onto her saddle. She then began to hit him with her whip; they spent the rest of the race hitting each other. He then pulled away from her and won the race.
