The colt made his debut in a maiden race over seven furlongs at Leopardstown Racecourse on 18 July when he started at odds of 8/1 and finished strongly to take second place, half a length behind the favorite Howling Wolf.

[5] On 2 August Santiago started 9/4 second favourite for a similar event over the same distance at Galway and came home second of the eleven runners beaten 3+1⁄4 lengths behind the filly Alpine Star.

[6] In a maiden over one mile on soft ground at Listowel Racecourse on 12 September Santiago recorded his first victory as he led for most of the way and won by 1+1⁄4 lengths from Sunchart at odds of 1/2.

"[9] Despite O'Brien's misgivings Santiago reappeared for the Irish Derby, which was run "behind closed doors" at the Curragh on 27 June when he was partnered by Seamie Heffernan and went off 2/1 favourite.

[11] On 28 July Santiago was moved up in distance to take on top-class older stayers in the two-mile Goodwood Cup in which he was ridden by Moore and went off the 15/8 second choice in the betting.

[12] The 244th running of the St Leger took place behind closed doors over 14+1⁄2 furlongs at Doncaster Racecourse on 12 September and Santiago, partnered by Frankie Dettori started the 5/2 favourite in an eleven-runner field.

He started slowly and raced towards the rear before staying on strongly in the straight to take fourth place behind Galileo Chrome, beaten, 1+1⁄2 lengths by the winner.