Horse park’s purchasing authority scaled back

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Republican Gov. Matt Bevin’s administration has scaled back the Kentucky Horse Park’s purchasing authority amid allegations of improper purchasing practices.
The directive from the state Finance Cabinet’s secretary comes as a top Senate Republican pushes legislation to revamp the horse park’s governing body.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer says the Finance Cabinet’s findings show his motives are justified in seeking to overhaul the park’s commission.
The park’s executive director, Jamie Link, defended his stewardship of the tourist attraction in Lexington during an appearance before a legislative committee this week.
Link did not return a call seeking comment Thursday.
Before taking the horse park job, Link was deputy chief of staff to then-Gov. Steve Beshear.
Beshear’s appointment of his wife to the park’s commission has drawn Republican criticism.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.