National Sporting Library & Museum to Host Author Mark Shrager Honoring Racing Legend Diane Crump
MIDDLEBURG, VA — On February 5, 2026, the National Sporting Library & Museum will host a special evening with veteran turf writer Mark Shrager, author of “Diane Crump: A Horse-Racing Pioneer’s Life in the Saddle.” Coming just over a month after Diane Crump’s passing at age 77, he will honor her life and legacy as a horse-racing pioneer. In the late 1960s, Crump challenged a racing bureaucracy that viewed female jockeys with skepticism and hostility. Despite facing boycotts and heckling, Crump’s persistence paved the way for future generations of riders.
A Legacy of Firsts
The evening will explore the pivotal moments of Crump’s career, including:
- The Historic Ride: On February 7, 1969, at Hialeah Racetrack, Crump became the first woman to ride in a pari-mutuel race in the United States, escorted to the track by a phalanx of police for her protection.
- Shattering Tradition: In 1970, she became the first woman to compete in the Kentucky Derby, breaking a 95-year all-male streak.
- A Distinguished Career: Over her time in the saddle, she amassed 235 wins, proving her proficiency on Thoroughbreds that many other riders refused to mount.
Shrager’s biography, which relies on Crump’s own narrative and numerous firsthand interviews, offers a definitive look at the athlete Churchill Downs President Mike Anderson recently noted “will be forever respected and fondly remembered in horse-racing lore.”
Program Schedule
A cocktail reception will be held from 5 to 5:45 p.m. From 5:45 to 7 p.m., there will be an author discussion and Q&A, followed by a book signing with Mark Shrager.
“Diane Crump: A Horse-Racing Pioneer’s Life in the Saddle” will be available for purchase at the event.
Tickets are available for purchase at nationalsporting.org and cost $20 for members or $30 for non-members.
Posted on: January 13, 2026