Course race official (7)
I believe the answer is:
starter
I believe this is a double definition.
'course' is the first definition.
(course of a meal)
'race official' is the second definition.
(Other definitions for starter that I've seen before include "Beginner, or opening course of meal" , "No substitute" , "Race gun firer" , "First course of meal" , "First course for beginner" .)