Guided by Hall of Fame trainer LeRoy Jolley, Gulch was a precocious two-year-old, winning the Grade I Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga Race Course with Ángel Cordero Jr. astride by 3+1⁄2 lengths.

He was undefeated that year going into the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, having won five starts in New York, but placed fifth to Capote, behind Alysheba and Bet Twice.

At three, being prepared for the Kentucky Derby, Gulch won the Wood Memorial with José A. Santos aboard.

In spring 2010, Lane's End donated him to the Old Friends Equine retirement facility in Georgetown, Kentucky.

His progeny include $4 million winner Eagle Cafe, Harayir, Nayef, 1995 U.S. Champion 3-Yr-Old Colt Thunder Gulch, The Cliff's Edge, and Brave Tender.