[6] On his first appearance as a three-year-old, Artaius was sent to England to contest the Group Three Classic Trial Stakes over ten furlongs at Sandown Park Racecourse.
The colt returned to Ireland and was brought back in distance for the Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh and finished unplaced behind Pampapaul and The Minstrel.
[6] Artaius was then sent to France to contest the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly Racecourse where he finished second, half a length behind Crystal Palace.
[9] A month later Artaius started the 6/4 favourite for the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood where his opponents included the classic winners Nebbiolo and Mrs McArdy.
At York Racecourse in August, Artaius started odds-on favourite for the sixth running of the Benson and Hedges Gold Cup.
He was also the damsire of the Prix de Diane winner Rafha, who produced the successful sire Invincible Spirit.