Crossword Genius

Favourite racecourse's first to provide VIP treatment (3,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

red carpet

'vip treatment' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'favourite racecourse's first' is the wordplay.
'favourite' becomes 'pet' (synonyms).
'racecourse' becomes 'redcar' (racecourse in North Yorkshire).
'first' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'pet' after 'redcar' is 'RED-CARPET'.

'to provide' is the link.

(Other definitions for red carpet that I've seen before include "Treatment for Royal" , "It is rolled out for VIPs" , "Roll this out for VIPs" , "VIP walkway" , "VIP treatment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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