After an eight-year hiatus, legalized standardbred street racing in Te Anau, New Zealand will be making its return Saturday, January 15

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According to an article by The Southland Times, the dashes will be taking place on Mokonui Street and will be run in conjunction with Destination Fiordland.

The legalized street races in Te Anau first took place in 1993 and were run annually until 2004. The report states that the races are back on, as matters pertaining to proper safety and other procedures have been installed for the 2011 edition.

The races will also feature judges, timekeepers and race stewards. Dave McDonald and Neville Skinner will be announcing the event.

The article explains that all eight entrants will contest the first round of heats, as horses will race off in pairs. Two horses in match-race-style will contest all standing start races over 500 metres with a liberal layer of gritty sand on the road to minimize percussion and enhance traction.

The report states that the first final in 1993 was won by Mark John (and driver Murray Jones). In 2002, Queba Flame (Colin McLean) scored in race-record time of 37.05sec., which still stands. Smoothn Satin (Ray Jenkins) won the last edition in 2003.

A 5,000-person crowd has attended the street races in the past, and organizers are expecting a strong showing Saturday.

(With files from The Southland Times)