Born in Portland, Victoria, Hales ran away from home at the age of 12 to become a jockey - and what a jockey he became.
Hales carved out a phenomenal career winning all of Australia's major races including the 1880 Melbourne Cup on the unbeaten Grand Flaneur.
Hales also won three Sydney Cups, six AJC Derbies, seven VRC Derbies, 10 VRC St Legers, six AJC St Legers and seven Australian Cups. During the 1888 Autumn Meeting, Hales rode 11 winners from just 14 mounts in four days.
Hales retired in 1894 and passed away in 1901.
Image Source: Australian Racing Museum Collection