Fill in the blank (_) in the following sentence from the following choices.
Sentence: The speedy Ian could easily beat Benjamin in a race, and _ led them by at least a foot length.

Choice 1: The speedy Ian could easily beat Benjamin in a race, and Ian led them by at least a foot length.
Choice 2: The speedy Ian could easily beat Benjamin in a race, and Benjamin led them by at least a foot length.
Which of the choices is correct? Respond with only "1" or "2" and no additional text.
1
1.