Australian Meghan Rutledge is celebrating her first career podium in the Women’s category of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.

The Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green rider raced to third overall at Freestone in Texas on Saturday, just one week after taking an exceptional moto win at Hangtown’s season opener.

Rutledge rode to 3-3 finishes at Freestone, just falling short of second in moto two and overall when she was passed on the final lap.

“I’m super pumped!” she beamed. “To be over here riding in the AMA is awesome and I’m really happy to be on the podium. I had a bit of trouble opening the champagne bottle on the podium because I haven’t had much experience with that.

“Next week, I’ll just go into the round with a level head and see what I can do. I’ll have my mum over here supporting me too so I’m pretty happy about that. I can’t thank everybody enough both here and back home for their support.”

The 17-year-old will now head straight to Lakewood in Colorado for round three of the 2012 title chase.