Crossword Genius

Spanish gentleman leading an ass (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

donkey

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'an ass' is the definition.
(donkey is a kind of ass)

'spanish gentleman leading' is the wordplay.
'spanish gentleman' becomes 'don' (I've seen this in another clue).
'leading' becomes 'key' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'don'+'key'='DONKEY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for donkey that I've seen before include "Dunce" , "Braying quadruped" , "Mary's transport" , "Garment associated with building workers" , "Fool" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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