The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 plus 4 letter word CHEQUERED FLAG
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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More clues leading to the result CHEQUERED FLAG
- How one may pay, given warning sign in race
- First takes this money order, revolutionary symbol
- Racing driver aims for this
- End of long race — get tired after Queen gets applauded round
- A number of lefties ignore the sometime bouncer’s previous signal that the event is over
- A red, that French wine by sink which is brandished after course complete
- Signal at end of race varied following delay
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "First takes this" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case first takes this = chequered flag.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.