Columbus, OH — Rick Marchese, 63, died April 27, 2020, due to brain cancer.

Mr. Marchese was born Sept. 16, 1956, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the third of eight children to Michael and Garnetta Marchese, both deceased.

He was a lifelong horseman. His career started with his father’s stable in Georgetown and continued until 1979 when he suffered a broken back at Seminole Downs.

In 1986 he returned to racing at Louisville Downs, where he had success with the trotter Rocket Messenger. His greatest achievement came after a win at The Red Mile with pacer Northern Star when he was issued his full “A” license. After a move to Delaware, he would continue to win with horses Del T Thunder Bolt and Ice Cold.

Due to financial reasons Mr. Marchese was forced again to retire in 1989. In 2014 he attempted another comeback after catch-driving at Bluegrass Downs and then Colonial Downs.

He would often brag that the story line of the Emilio Estevez movie “Johnny Longshot” could have been his own story. He attempted to speak with Estevez, but the movie was never finished.

Mr. Marchese is survived by his brother and stablemate, John; sons, Richard Jr. and Vincent; daughter, Theresa Andrade; three grandchildren; as well as many other family members who will miss him greatly.