Morris Gardner, a longtime backstretch worker at Maryland horse tracks, died Sunday in his room at Pimlico. He was 51.

His family said Gardner died of natural causes. He was employed as foreman for trainer Mary Eppler and had worked around tracks most of his life.

A public viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow at Chatman-Harris Funeral Home, 5240 Reisterstown Road. Family members will receive friends in the chapel from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On Friday, a wake will begin at noon at Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church, 300 Eudowood Lane, Towson. Funeral services will begin at 12: 30 p.m. Burial will follow at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens in Timonium.

Pub Date: 8/19/98