THIS COULD have been the beginning of the long march back. The perfect opportunity for a proven winner to kick-start a remarkable revival.

All eyes were on Punchestown on Tuesday afternoon when Bringbackthebert went to post in the 3.40.

Bertie’s connections, including Wexford Fianna Fáil TD John Browne, had high hopes for him in the Memorial Chase for the Ladies Perpetual Cup. “He’s good over the long distances,” said John.

The seven-year-old chestnut gelding was bought by trainer and Fianna Fáil supporter Bernie Murphy and she registered the horse’s name without telling the other three members of the syndicate. At least that’s what John Browne says. He makes up the quartet with his friends Brendan Hearn, a Fianna Fáil supporter, and Mick Kelly: “He sits on the fence, politically.”

After Bringbackthebert had three good wins in point-to-point, his owners began dreaming of steeplechase glory. But things began to go downhill for the Bert after his three-in-a-row achievement.

Tuesday was to mark his comeback. Deputy Browne takes up the running. “I thought Bert would have been good over the three and a half miles, but I wasn’t too impressed. He was last in a field of 18 the whole way round and was eventually pulled up.

“Then Bernie rang and said the horse has a bad heart, which is not a good sign.”

Quite a few TDs and Senators had a few bob on the outcome. “When they asked about the horse I told them Bertie never lost. Although I was talking about elections.

“I think even Shane Ross and Finian McGrath backed him. But they can well afford it out of their leader’s allowances. God knows what Brendan Howlin will do if he hears they’re backing horses with his money.”

John, who stepped down as party chairman last October, says his Fianna Fáil colleagues don’t believe he played no part in choosing the name.

The former taoiseach appointed Browne to a number of junior ministries and some of his colleagues reckon Bringbackthebert is John’s subtle message to the current incumbent about his leadership.

Meanwhile, the syndicate is awaiting a vet’s report on Bringbackthebert, who is costing them a fortune to keep.

Deputy Browne is preparing to cut his losses. “I don’t think Bertie, or the horse, will be making a comeback now.”