Racecourse favourite getting welcome for a star (3,6)

I believe the answer is:

red carpet

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'welcome for a star' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

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

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for red carpet that I've seen before include "Welcoming walkway" , "What a distinguished visitor walks on" , "special welcome" , "laid down for the elite" , "It's rolled out for special guests" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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