Crossword Genius

Instances of competition for housing in Derby et al? (4,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

flat races

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'derby et al?' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't judge whether it can be defined by this definition.

'instances of competition for housing' is the wordplay.
'instances of competition' becomes 'races' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'for' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (I've seen this in other clues).
'housing' becomes 'flat' (flat is a kind of housing).
'races' put after 'flat' is 'FLAT RACES'.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for flat races that I've seen before include "Winners may be excitedly whipped up" , "Contests" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.
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