KENTUCKY — This week’s special edition of In Focus Kentucky is broadcasting from Churchill Downs in the city of Louisville, as the Commonwealth once again, is on display for the 150th running of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby coming up on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4.

This spring time tradition is a high-profile event that puts Thoroughbred horse racing and the equine industry on the biggest stage for millions of people to see.

According to KentuckyDerby.com, racing has a $517 million direct impact on Kentucky’s economy, with days like Kentucky Oaks and Derby days generating upward of $217 million. Other equine competitive sports and tourism both add another $500 million to the economy as well, showing the power of Kentucky’s connection to the horse.

During this In Focus Kentucky segment, State sen. Amanda Mays Bledose, R-Lexington, who discusses just how much of an economic driver this industry is and how it fuels policy in the Commonwealth.

You can watch the full ‘In Focus Kentucky’ segment in the player above.