Jockey Jason Collett revealed an example in professionalism set by one of the rising stars of the Australian jockeys' ranks played a role in his win on Coup Ay Tee in the Hawkesbury Gold Cup on Thursday.

Collett say he draws inspiration from Tommy Berry, the Tulloch Lodge jockey who rode Glencadam Gold to win last year's Metropolitan, only to lose the mount in the Caulfield Cup.

After winning a Listed race on Coup Ay Tee, Collett was replaced by Nash Rawiller when the Chris Waller-trained galloper was ridden upside down and beaten out of a place at Rosehill five days ago.

But with Rawiller riding the Gai Waterhouse-trained Julienas at Hawkesbury, Collett found himself back in favour.

"I try to learn a lot from a jockey like Tommy," Collett said.

"After what happened to him with Glencadam Gold he stayed strong and look at where he is at now."

In an ironic finish, Coup Ay Tee ($5.50) came with a late run to beat Julienas ($5) by a half length with last year's winner Darci Be Good ($8) finishing three quarters of a length away third.

The result denied Rawiller a fifth winner at a meeting he was thankful to be riding at after he was involved in a barrier mishap at Canterbury on Wednesday.

He rode brilliantly all day despite the discomfort of a sore back.

"I've really struggled through the day but I'm alright and I'll have a quiet day tomorrow with a bit of physio," Rawiller said.

Coup Ay Tee has won three races during his winter campaign and Collett has been in the saddle each time.

His passage to victory in one of Hawkesbury's biggest races was in complete contrast to his Winter Challenge ride when he angled the six-year-old through a narrow gap on the inside of the track to snatch a last-stride win.

"I went into the race with an open mind," Collett said.

"If the inside run came again I wouldn't have been scared to take it but the speed was good so I thought I would get him into the clear and get him to the outside this time.

"I followed Nash on Julienas and waited for him to go before coming out so it worked out good."