Clown enthusiast that mimics a horse (7)

I believe the answer is:

coconut

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'clown enthusiast that mimics a horse' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'clown enthusiast' is the wordplay.
'clown' becomes 'coco' (Nicolai Poliakoff aka Coco the Clown).
'enthusiast' becomes 'nut' (nut can mean an enthusiast or fan).
'coco'+'nut'='COCONUT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for coconut that I've seen before include "Hairy, milk-containing fruit of the palm" , "one of a lovely bunch?" , "Oval nut with fibrous husk" , "Shy target?" , "Seed of a tropical palm" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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