"And they're off ..."
Name Grand National Opened 1935 Designer Charles Paige Height 62ft
Designed by Charles Paige of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, it opened as the park’s newest thrill machine in 1935. It is one of only two Mobius racing wooden rides in the world (if you start on the right hand side, you’ll finish on the left and vice versa).
Joseph Emberton designed the ride’s iconic station. The former sandwich bar (now Guest Services) next to the ride was named after him. After many years of changes, the station rebuilt to its original look for the 1991 season and was reopened by Red Rum.
After the trains depart the art-deco station and make their way towards the lift hill, the tracks remain parallel for the majority of the ride. It’s not uncommon for riders to ‘slap’ hands as the trains navigate the lift hill and the long turns at the Northern and Southern tips of the ride.
There are a couple of nods to the famous handicap steeplechase that gives the coaster its name. As you crest the lift hill you pass under a sign stating “They’re Off”, with other areas of the ride are designated as “Becher’s Brook”, “Valentine’s” “Canal Turn” and “Winning Post”.
Tragedy struck the ride on 20th May 2004. The station, trains and ‘Winning Post’ area of the course were destroyed. During the rebuilding process, the trains were replaced by new PTC hardware and a new braking system was installed by Kumbak Coasters. It reopened in on 28th October 2004.