Matt Groening admitted during the audio commentary he has never seen this episode or really knew the premise either. He was out of town during the weekly prep for the episode.
This is one of four episodes where Tom Landry's hat appears since Homer purchased it in Season 8.
Maggie does not appear in this episode.
The horse race announcer mimics Ray Moorehead (British sportscaster) in voice, hair, and mannerisms.
The Comic Book Guy wore a T-shirt bearing the phrase, "Worst Episode Ever.