Senate leader calls for audit of Kentucky Horse Park

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – A leading Senate Republican is calling for a new audit of the Kentucky Horse Park to review what he claims has been mismanagement at the popular tourist attraction in the state’s bluegrass region.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer made the accusations in a Senate speech Friday. Thayer also introduced a bill to revamp the membership of a commission that oversees the horse park.

Thayer says a previous audit by the state Finance and Administration Cabinet found flaws in the awarding of hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of contracts by the horse park.

Thayer says he believes taxpayer money has been wasted.

A horse park spokeswoman referred questions to the state Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. Cabinet Secretary Don Parkinson says he supports an updated audit.