How legendary jockey AP McCoy is inspiring Wrexham’s promotion race – with Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney making Phil Parkinson their entry in the League Two Grand National

The Welsh outfit know all about crossing the line in first place, having claimed the National League title in record-breaking style last season. They are now riding high in the League Two table, and only need to finish in the top three this time around in order to take another step up the EFL ladder.

Parkinson is the man charged with the task of delivering on the expectations of Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, with Wrexham hoping to have enough left in the tank to earn themselves a spot on the podium – a standing legendary jockey McCoy was accustomed to filling in his racing days.

Parkinson has told The Athletic of how he is looking to icons from other sports in a bid to inspire the troops at SToK Racecourse: “This is what we have worked all season for. This is enjoyable pressure, the excitement is something to thrive on. I was reminded of that recently when watching a documentary on [record-breaking horse-racing jockey AP] McCoy. I love McCoy and love listening to him. This documentary was from the year he beat Gordon Richards’ record [of 269 race wins by a jockey in a season], so quite a while ago [2002]. His drive to win and desire were phenomenal [McCoy finished with 289]. That, to me, is what being a football manager is like. You’ve got that overwhelming drive to win burning inside.”

Wrexham have eight games left to take in this season, starting with a trip to Grimsby on Saturday. A bid for more title glory may yet be staged, as they are just five points adrift of leaders Mansfield, but only goal difference is keeping them inside the top three at present. Parkinson’s side are beginning to shoot anxious looks over collective shoulders as the chasing pack close in.