A supported catalyst useful in processes for chemically refining hydrocarbon feedstocks, the catalyst comprising a metal from Group 6, a metal from Group 8, and optionally phosphorous, wherein the carrier or support, comprises porous alumina comprising: (a) equal to or greater than about 78% to about 95% of TPV in pores having a diameter of less than about 200 Angstroms (A); (b) greater than about 2% to less than about 19% of the TPV in pores having a diameter of about 200 to less than about 1000 A; (c) equal to or greater than 3% to less than 12% of the TPV in pores having a diameter equal to or greater than about 1000 A.