It’s Derby time! This means that it’s time once again to put on the fancy hat, mix-up the mint julep and watch 20 thoroughbreds compete for victory at Churchill Downs. Hopefully, the owners of these celebrated horses have properly planned their estates and have provided for the care and maintenance of their horses should something happen to them.

California, like many other states, allows a pet owner to establish a pet trust to take care of the pet’s needs following the owner’s death. Horses are particularly expensive animals to maintain when considering the cost of food, board, grooming, and medical care. If the funds are not made available to properly care for the horse, the horse’s prospect for survival following the owner’s death becomes uncertain. Also, it is important to designate a person in the pet trust who is knowledgeable about horses to be in charge of the horse’s care.  All of these issues can easily be addressed in the owner’s estate plan.

Enjoy the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby!  Go Trinniberg!

Early Times Mint Julep:

2 Cups sugar

2 Cups water

Sprigs of fresh mint

Crushed ice

Early Times Kentucky Bourbon

Silver Julep Cups

Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Early Times Kentucky Bourbon. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

If you would like to discuss this or other trusts and estates issues, please contact the attorneys at Drucker Law Offices, 468 North Camden Drive, 2nd Floor, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, 310.285.5375 Tel, 310.444.9754 Fax, www.druckerlaw.com