Larry Manges passes, age 70

Delaware harness racing horseman Larry J. Manges passed away at 70 years old on Monday.

Manges was born on Nov. 2, 1950 in Northville, Mich. He attended schools in New York and Delaware before committing to racing full-time in 1969. He won his first two driving starts as he began competing on the New York and Delaware circuits. He moved to the latter permanently when year-round racing became prominent and raced under his father, trainer Del Manges.

Larry was a fixture in Delaware and Maryland racing through the 1980s and 1990s. His best year came in 1988 when he won 113 times with earnings of $190,876. He switched careers in 2000 and transported horses until retirement.

He was preceded in death by his father Del and mother Dorothy Manges. He is survived by his wife Jeannie and brothers Dean, Randy, and Brian.

Many people in the Harness Racing History group on Facebook offered their condolences and memories.

Trainer Sammy Belote commented “RIP Larry, had a ‘GREAT’ sense of humor and always had a mischievous way about him!! Larry always brighten up my day!!”

Brian Lange said “great friend and great horseman many a night out after races at Brandywine with Jeannie and Chrissy RIP friend.”

“Oh wow! Rest In Peace my old friend!! Larry and the Manges family have been life long friends of mine. So sad,” George Johnson commented.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink