Was in first place (3)
I believe the answer is:
'was in first place' is the definition.
(to lead is to be in first place)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for led that I've seen before include "Went at the head of others" , "Went first to show the way" , "Paved the way" , "Took by the hand and showed the way" , "Guided; small light" .)