Crossword Genius

Fans of a departing horse making animal noises (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

following

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'fans of a departing horse' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both groups as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for following that I've seen before include "Next after" , "fans?" , "Understanding" , "Coming after" , "about to be mentioned" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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