Lois Duffey a lifelong horsewoman whose Mr. Frisk won the Seagram Grand National Steeplechase in England in 1990, died in Chestertown, Md. She was 96.

Mrs. Duffey, was involved with horses from an early age, hunting in Virginia and in New York and attending steeplechases. She married steeplechase jockey and farmer Harry Duffey in 1935.

The Duffeys owned a small string of jumpers that they raced in the United States and England. One of their greatest accomplishments was capturing the prestigious English Grand National with the 11-year-old Mr. Frisk who defeated 37 rivals on his way to setting a course record.

The Duffeys also owned the successful steeplechaser Talkin Butter, who under the watchful eye of trainer Charlie Fenwick, won the 1992 Temple Gwathmey (Va.) and the $60,000 Bolla Handicap (Ky.).

Mrs. Duffey’s father, Walter Salmon Sr., owned and operated Mereworth Farm in Kentucky and was one of the leading Thoroughbred breeders and owners of the 20th century. Among the horses bred by Mr. Salmon was 1935 Horse of the Year Discovery, the maternal grandsire of Bold Ruler and Native Dancer.

When her father died in 1953, Mrs. Duffey’s brother, Walter Salmon Jr., took over, and she acquired an interest. Her niece, Susan Donaldson, now owns Mereworth.

Mrs. Duffey is survived by son Harry “Stoney” Duffey III, daughter Amanda Rutledge, five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.