Steeplechase was the first major investment of the Geoffrey Thompson OBE era. It officially debuted in September 1977 at the south end of the site in an area that had not seen significant use prior to its construction. 

Its unknown if the ride was inspired by Motor Cycle Chase at Knott’s Berry Farm, or if the order for the Pleasure Beach ride was made prior to its opening – perhaps due to Geoffrey Thompson’s friendship with Walter Knott and family. The prototype had been demonstrated about 18 months earlier.

Arrow Development was responsible for the design of the ride, producing some of the components, with much of the steel work produced by UK firms to Arrow’s designs.

The ride was assembled by the park’s in house crew throughout 1977, led by park manager Frank Wright.

Construction continues on lift two during May 1977. The chains are not yet in position. The civil work required around the ride is clear in this shot. Several chassis (without horses) can be seen on the curve to the left of the lift hill.
Engineers work on the brakes in the station area in May 1977. The rebar for the station is in place but the concrete has yet to be poured. A first-generation horse (note the tail) sits on what is now the yellow track.
During construction in May 1977, the three parallel tracks are being supported on temporary wooden shores. New wood can also be seen on the Roller Coaster (now Nickelodeon Streak) where modifications have been made to allow the new ride to pass under its structure. The car on the centre (green) track has ropes attached to it so that it can be pulled through the circuit for testing. This particular horse doesn't appear to have any of the steel attached to it, furthermore the tail appears to similar or the same as the ones used today.
The horses sit idle in the station (that doesn't yet have its roof) in September 1977, around the time of the ride's opening.
A car is seen testing on the ride early in its existence. The shot is dated September 1977 - that may be correct, however the grass and vegetation around the ride looks more mature than expected at this time.

These fabulous photos are shared courtesy of the wonderful National Circus & Fairground Archive. They were submitted to their archive by Paul Angel (photos 1-3) and Ron Kinder (photos 4-5) – thanks to everyone involved in that important project.

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