Green and his wife Jean paid $21,000 for the Danehill Dancer gelding formerly trained in Sydney by Anthony Cummings knowing it had a throat operation.

“It had a wind operation but I don’t think it was all that successful,” Green said.

Noticeable improvement came at its past two starts,thanks to work done by acupuncturist Michelle Fuit and a friend who suggested elevated heels be applied to the gelding’s hind legs.

Green asked a vet after Zizumba won at Grafton on July 10 what he thought of the galloper’s breathing.

“He told me my horse was breathing well and when I told him what had been done, he walked away. I think the proof of the pudding is in the eating,”Green said.

As for Zizumba’s last three starts,the gelding was a bad beginner but since having elevated hind heels he has stepped out slowly, but much better. The starting problem had been such that it earned the wrath of stewards. 

The win was full of merit as it was Zizumba’s first run since May 30,it drew the outside barrier in the 1006m race,and lumped top-weight of 61kgs for Brisbane jockey Rick McMahon.

“The jockey said he knew he would win 600m out as my horse was travelling so well. The horse has pulled up good and his next race will probably be at the Coffs Harbour Cup carnival.”

Zizumba is believed to be the name of a African dance