In haste, warden protects race official (7)
I believe the answer is:
steward
'race official' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'in haste warden protects' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'STEWARD' is hidden within 'haste warden protects'.
(Other definitions for steward that I've seen before include "Aircraft attendant" , "Overseer" , "Crew member" , "Ship's officer" , "Superintendent" .)