A supported catalyst useful in processes for chemically refining hydrocarbon feedstocks is prepared, the catalyst comprising a metal from Group 6 of the Periodic Table, a metal from Groups 8, 9 or 10 and optionally phosphorous, wherein the metals, and phosphorous when present, are carried on a foraminous carrier or support, the carrier or support, preferably comprises porous alumina having a total pore volume (TPV) of about 0.6 cc/g to about 1.1 cc/g and 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 (Å); (b) greater than about 2% to less than about 19% of the TPV in pores having a diameter of about 200 (Å) to less than about 1000 Å; (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 Å; and (d) a pore mode equal to or greater than about 90 Å and less than about 160 Å. Preferably the support exhibits a d50 greater than about 100 Å and less than about 150 Å.