Hi Xwordfiend,
9a - 1,1 "a special" then 4 letter "project" (common word but didn't know it could mean this) + 3 letter "German" - extra letter - definition is "aggressor"
4d - 3 letter "contest" around 2 letters brought about by theme - definition is "horse" (a word you'll know but unless you already know it's a horse you'd never guess it!)