If two local developers have their way, clattering hooves and cheering crowds will soon be heard in central Sussex County.

Gene Lankford and Preston Schell, of Del Pointe, Inc., announced last week they had filed with the Delaware Harness Racing Commission for a license to operate a racetrack in the Millsboro area. If the project moves forward, the U.S. 113 venue would host races on unused days in the state’s racing schedule.

“These unused days happen to fall within the summer months,” Lankford said in the Aug. 11 release. “That’s ideal timing to provide local residents and tourists with a fun outdoor entertainment venue.”

Although the Del Pointe developers have big plans and claim the project would create more than 500 new jobs, the proposed mile-long track is at least three years down the road and would require approval from either the Town of Millsboro (if annexed) or the county.

In the meantime, however, a number of local breeders are getting behind the project.

“For years we have been training champion racers right here in Millville, Delaware only to have them transported elsewhere to compete,” said Russ McKinnon, a local breeder and trainer of Standardbreds. “It would be absolutely wonderful to be able to showcase their racing skills to the people and families of Sussex County.”

“The existence of a one-mile track in which two-year-olds can compete will encourage Standardbred breeders to stay on the Delmarva Peninsula and will increase the economic viability of horse farms,” added Joe Thomsen, owner of Winbank Farm in Chesapeake City, Md.

For the time being, Lankford said he is not interested in getting the licenses necessary to allow wagering at the track, instead focusing on developing additional attractions, such as retail shops and a water park, at the site and including simulcast revenue in the business plan.

“We’re interested in making this a family venue,” he said.

Once Del Pointe receives approval from the Harness Racing Commission, Lankford said they would be moving ahead with approvals from the Delaware Department of Transportation and talking to the Town of Millsboro about possible annexation.