First course for race official (7)
I believe the answer is:
starter
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'first course' is the first definition.
(first course in a meal)
'race official' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'for' is the link.
(Other definitions for starter that I've seen before include "Beginner, or opening course of meal" , "Appetiser" , "First course for beginner" , "cooking served first?" , "No substitute" .)