Hold back one performing at stud (8)

I believe the answer is:

stallion

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

'hold back one performing' is the wordplay.
'hold back' becomes 'stall' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'performing' becomes 'on' (as in being on stage).
'stall'+'i'+'on'='STALLION'

'at' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stallion that I've seen before include "Male steed" , "Male horse kept for breeding" , "Mount" , "Stud" , "Mare's mate" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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