Champion jumps trainer Paul Nicholls has admitted his embarrassment over the acrimonious departure of Kauto Star from his stable.

The recently-retired legendary jumper was taken from Nicholls by owner Clive Smith to be retrained in dressage against the trainer's wishes.

Nicholls was at Cheltenham where the stable produced four winners on Saturday including up and coming jumper Unioniste.

"After the week we've had, I can assure you I've never had a more embarrassing or unenjoyable week like that in my life," Nicholls said.

"I apologise for everything that has gone on and I've never been more embarrassed, so to end it with a win like this is great. It's onwards and upwards.

"This horse will have a month off now. I've got novice chasing to go back to if I want and he'll have an entry for the RSA in March."

Unioniste was the first four-year-old to land the established Grade Three handicap chase, and had only sneaked into the line-up as a first reserve.

Just over half an hour later his stablemate Zarkandar claimed top honours against title holder Grandouet and reigning champion hurdler Rock On Ruby in the stanjames.com International Hurdle.

Far West cemented his position as the best juvenile jumper seen so far this season in the Triumph Hurdle Trial while Shooters Wood took out a handicap chase.