Crossword Genius

Competitive horse level with leaders in the Epsom race (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eventer

'competitive horse' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'level with leaders in the epsom race' is the wordplay.
'level' becomes 'even' (synonyms).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'leaders in' says to take the initial letters.
The first letters of 'the epsom race' is 'ter'.
'even'+'ter'='EVENTER'

(Other definitions for eventer that I've seen before include "Equestrian competitor" , "Jumper" , "Competitive horse/rider" , "Competitive rider" , "Sportsman" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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