American animal in races covered by Herald? (7)

I believe the answer is:

critter

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'american animal' is the definition.
'critter' can be an answer for 'animal' (I've seen this in another clue). I am not sure about the 'american' bit.

'races covered by herald?' is the wordplay.
'races' becomes 'tt' (Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races).
'covered by' indicates putting letters inside.
'herald?' becomes 'crier' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'tt' going inside 'crier' is 'CRITTER'.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for critter that I've seen before include "Living thing (US)" , "Creature (American)" , "animal in America" , "US beast?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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