Abstract: This invention relates to means for the structural support of the windings of saddle and racetrack-shaped magnets against the local magnetic loads acting on the individual conductors or against the total transverse magnetic loads acting on the entire windings. The invention is particularly useful in magnets used in magnetohydrodynamic [MHD] applications. The invention utilizes the inherent stiffness of the windings themselves and any internal or substructure present within the windings. The invention comprises a pair of first and second winding assemblies, an assembly of each pair being positioned on each side of the MHD channel. Each winding assembly consists either of an integral winding pancake or one or more substructural plates, each of which has a channel or channels running its length and into which an individual conductor or several conductors of the magnet are placed. Winding pancakes or plates are assembled with a means to provide shear transmission from pancake to pancake or from plate to plate.