This is an interesting discussion. If I was in charge I would, honestly, question whether or not $40 for valet is still too low.
Lone Star charged $20 to park on July 4th and there were 20,000 people there. That certainly puts a dent in their fireworks bill (which were spectacular, by the way) and because it's not a gambling dollar, they don't have to split that with any groups.
For many racetracks, where on-track attendance has dwindled (and not because of parking costs on special days like this) capturing as much of the wallet as possible is critical. I don't blame them for making as much money as possible to where the demand approves.
On New Year's Eve, the biggest night of the year for most casinos, not just anyone can use valet. They reserve it for their elite players. It's just business.
We had honest conversations about charging admission at LAD for Super Derby Day, even though it was free the rest of the year. There's a lot there that makes sense.
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