22 across
Boring
thing,
9
(4)
Boring thing, 9 (4)
hints
0
checks
0
hints
The whole clue is the definition (& lit or double definition).
How the clue works
This is a double definition. A Boring thing is a DRAG, and the 9 is a cross-reference to 9 across (RACE) — a DRAG race being a type of race, so DRAG fits both senses.