Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s twin-tracked racing coaster, The Grand National, reopened this past weekend just in time for the 2022 running of its namesake. To celebrate this, two jockeys have selected a train and raced through the ride’s famous drops, twists and along the thrilling final straight.
The Grand National was first opened in 1935 and is the only remaining twin-tracked rollercoaster in the UK. This means that it has two trains which race each other through the duration of the ride.
During the winter, the Grand National underwent maintenance work which will make for a more enjoyable experience for riders and ensure the ride’s longevity. The ride has also had work carried out of the station and exterior walls have now been replaced by glass paneling.
Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, comments, “I’m delighted that the Grand National is under starter’s orders and about to open to guests in time for Easter. It couldn’t have been better timing that the ride will reopen on the same day as its famous namesake is being run.
“The Grand National has been thrilling riders for almost 90 years and the investment that we have recently made, and the work carried out on it, means that it will continue to do so for many more years. As the current custodian of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, I believe that it is important that we maintain these classic rides so that they can continue to be enjoyed by guests for many more years.”
